PJM & MISO face a growing interconnection backlog, with over 25 GW of solar and 9 GW of wind projects waiting for approvals

PJM and MISO are actively advancing reforms to streamline their interconnection processes to manage substantial backlogs of capacity projects slated for the coming years. Notably, PJM has adopted a ‘first-ready, first-served’ approach aimed at filtering out speculative projects, thereby prioritizing more viable initiatives. Concurrently, MISO is implementing a cluster study method to expedite the processing of these backlogs. Additionally, both markets have announced substantial investments, totaling ~$14 billion in transmission infrastructure upgrades, designed to support the integration of roughly 10 GW of new capacity.

Meanwhile, ERCOT has streamlined its grid connection process with the ‘Connect and Manage’ approach, which accelerates grid integration by focusing on localized upgrades rather than extensive network overhauls. This method enables the market to complete the study phase in under two years, significantly expediting the clearance of a substantial backlog.