Edward Smith, edward.smith@sierraclub.org
Washington, D.C. – On Friday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voted 2-1 to reject MISO’s discriminatory plan that would mostly favor the construction of gas-burning power plants at the expense – both time and money – of mostly renewable energy and battery storage projects. MISO currently has more than 200 gigawatts of wind, solar, and energy storage in the interconnection queue. That’s enough electricity to power 175,200,000 homes.
The FERC rejection of MISO’s proposed Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS) process leaves open the possibility for the grid operator to rework it and send it back for approval after addressing its shortcomings. Specifically, FERC concluded that the ERAS proposal failed to exert sufficient control over how many projects join the ERAS process or to establish enforceable standards over when projects may join the process, including a robust demonstration that a state does in fact face a near-term resource adequacy shortfall.
The FERC decision can be found here. Groups that challenged MISO’s ERAS filing include Clean Wisconsin, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Sustainable FERC Project, and Union of Concerned Scientists.
Statement from Greg Wannier, Senior Attorney with the Sierra Club:
“It’s good to see FERC taking a deep look at extreme proposals like MISO’s here. Interconnection fast-track proposals like ERAS are fundamentally discriminatory, and the Commission made clear that discriminatory tools should only be used to address the most severe emergencies. MISO failed to demonstrate such an emergency here, and its policy was not well tailored to meet one. We look forward to engaging further in the stakeholder process as MISO works to address the serious concerns raised by Commissioners and stakeholders and come back with a targeted solution.”
Statement from Ciaran Gallagher, Energy & Air Manager with Clean Wisconsin:
“We applaud FERC’s instructions to MISO that an expedited interconnection process must have enforceable standards that prove resource inadequacy needs. Such guidelines would limit fast-tracking more fossil plants, saving Wisconsin residents’ pocketbooks and public health.”
Statement from Ada Statler, Senior Associate Attorney with Earthjustice:
“The Commission’s rejection of ERAS as a false solution to MISO’s interconnection backlog demonstrates the importance of FERC’s independence and expertise. The decision honors the Commission’s longstanding practice to allow all generation resources open access to the power grid, which means that low-cost clean energy can bring down costs for consumers. In addition to protecting consumers, the Commission’s decision protects its recent reforms to the interconnection process from delays that would be caused by utilities picking and choosing to their own projects to cut the line.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.