June 5, 2025

SPP proposes fix to grid connection process for data centers

The new process aims to address backlog of connection requests by considering planned generation resources.

Process Improvement: Southwest Power Pool Inc. has proposed a new "Provisional Load Process" designed to streamline grid connection studies for large electricity users, such as data centers, according to a June 4 filing. Under this new process, grid studies can move forward based on planned generation capacity, rather than requiring large loads to demonstrate they already have sufficient generating resources ...

Details:

Filing Date: June 4, 2025

Docket Numbers:

ER25-2430

Short Summary:

Southwest Power Pool Inc. has proposed a new “Provisional Load Process” designed to streamline grid connection studies for large electricity users, such as data centers, according to a June 4 filing. Under this new process, grid studies can move forward based on planned generation capacity, rather than requiring large loads to demonstrate they already have sufficient generating resources to meet their new demand. This change aims to address system bottlenecks and accelerate the integration of large-scale loads into the grid.

Impact Level:

Categories:

Policies & Rulemakings

Tags: Data Centers, Generator Interconnection Queue, Generator Interconnection Service Agreements, Large Loads

Entities: Southwest Power Pool

Markets: Southwest Power Pool (SPP)

Regions: West

States:

Regulators: FERC

Courts:

Documents:

Load Process – Tariff Amendment – Application