ISO New England has begun development of a framework that will establish the grid operator as the independent reviewer of transmission owners’ asset condition projects in the region.
Asset condition projects are upgrades to the power grid that replace deteriorating transmission facilities.
Historically, the ISO and other regional transmission organizations across the country have had limited involvement in the asset condition review process. ISO-NE is assuming this role at the request of stakeholders and as part of its continued commitment to regional collaboration and engagement, it said.
The ISO has enlisted a consultant to help with interim asset condition project reviews and to define the framework for a permanent, ISO-run process. Given the novel nature of the project, the ISO expects interim reviews, stakeholder engagement, and framework development to take some time — the current goal for a finalized definition of the role is January 2027.
Updates will be posted to the ISO’s Asset Condition Reviewer Key Project page.
An overview of next steps, shared at the Oct. 23 Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting, includes the ISO’s recommended list of projects for the interim review process.
The ISO will provide regular updates to PAC on relevant findings.
