VALLEY FORGE, PA — In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the reliability and resilience of the U.S. power grid, PJM Interconnection and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) have announced a joint initiative to conduct an informational interregional transfer capability study in the latter half of 2024. This collaborative effort seeks to identify opportunities for transmission enhancements between the two regions, with a focus on improving grid resilience in the face of extreme weather events and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.
The initiative is driven by feedback from the Organization of PJM States (OPSI), the Organization of MISO States (OMS), and the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA), highlighting the increasing need for interregional coordination to address the challenges posed by the evolving energy landscape. “PJM looks forward to embarking on this study process with MISO as a path to increased coordination,” said Paul McGlynn, Vice President – Planning at PJM. “Ensuring a reliable energy transition requires greater interdependence among regions and careful planning.”
Aubrey Johnson, Vice President System Planning and Competitive Transmission at MISO, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the organizations’ long history of collaboration. “As we continue to focus on our Reliability Imperative efforts, we understand the need to explore interregional planning,” Johnson stated, underscoring the importance of the study in addressing both near-term needs and establishing a model for future endeavors.
The study will engage in joint transmission analysis and coordinated modeling, leveraging existing planning processes to promote reliability and resiliency. By taking a holistic approach to transmission planning, the initiative aims to deliver efficient and cost-effective solutions for ratepayers, ensuring the grid can accommodate the variable nature of renewable energy generation.
Upon completion in early 2025, findings from the study will be shared with the Interregional Planning Stakeholder Advisory Committee, a forum established by PJM and MISO for reviewing coordinated system planning activities with stakeholders. This transparent exchange of insights is expected to facilitate informed decision-making and encourage further collaboration among stakeholders in the energy sector.
This joint study represents a critical step towards enhancing grid resilience and reliability, positioning the U.S. power grid to better handle the demands of a changing energy landscape. By focusing on interregional transfer capabilities, PJM and MISO are not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for a future where renewable energy can be more effectively integrated into the national grid.
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