A number of clean energy groups, including the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), are voicing their support for proposed interconnection changes by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to improve the efficiency and transparency of interconnection requests, as well as remove barriers to renewable energy development.
“We agree with FERC that the time is ripe for regulatory and policy changes to interconnection processes to ensure lower costs for consumers,” says Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA.
“The commission’s proposal, if finalized, will help remove barriers to cleaner, renewable sources of electricity that can help meet the growing needs of millions of Americans. It will facilitate the ongoing transformation of the grid in a timely, reliable and cost-effective manner. This effort will help expedite the development of new generation, like wind energy, which the vast majority of Americans want more of,” he adds.
AWEA and the Energy Storage Association (ESA) are filing separate comments on the proposed FERC rule in order to provide greater detail on their respective views.
“The Energy Storage Association is encouraged by FERC taking up the issue of streamlining regulations and eliminating barriers for interconnection of flexible and reliable energy storage technologies,” states Matt Roberts, executive director of the ESA. “Simplified interconnection procedures will lower costs for all ratepayers and will help speed our transition to a more efficient, resilient and affordable energy grid.”
Also voicing their support are the Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE).
“FERC is taking much-needed action to modernize the rules governing our transmission system by streamlining the process for interconnection of new resources,” says Arvin Ganesan, vice president for federal affairs at AEE. “The commission’s proposed action would allow for more cost-effective and speedy deployment of renewable energy and energy storage systems – unlocking the benefits, like reduced costs and improved reliability, these technologies can provide to consumers and the grid.”
Gregory Wetstone, ACORE’s president and CEO, adds, “ACORE applauds the commission for seeking to remedy the regulatory hurdles that have historically inhibited renewable energy sources equal access to the transmission system. Given the large and increasing role renewables play in powering America’s electricity markets, we are pleased to join with our partners in supporting the proposed improvements to the interconnection process.”
