Data shows that there was around 2,600GW of energy project capacity in US interconnection queues at the end of 2023. It also raises the financial and other commitments that generators must make to enter and remain in the queue. The grid operators and utilities that opposed the order said that fines for late interconnection studies were too steep and overstepped FERC’s legal bounds, arguing that the regulator had not successfully proven that the interconnection delays were the fault of grid operators. A better interconnection queue process could force operators to meet growing demand more effectively, and with the backlog of renewable energy projects that have been stranded in queues. Today’s ruling affirms FERC’s reforms and holds grid operators and utilities responsible for connecting new energy projects faster,” Tom added.