In an independent report prepared for Google, experts at the Brattle Group show how to effectively develop solutions to accelerate connections for large new loads to the electric grid while preserving grid reliability and efficiency and reducing transmission costs, the consulting firm said on Sept. 15.
Aligning with the June 18, 2026 large load show cause orders from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the report explores designs for non-firm transmission service, load flexibility, tools to leverage new supporting generation close to large loads, and advanced grid technologies.
The report, “Solutions for Timely Interconnection of Large Loads: Enabling Non-Firm Transmission Service,” examines approaches that enable grid operators to make greater use of existing transmission capacity rather than requiring large loads to wait for costly, time-consuming transmission upgrades.
The authors focus in particular on flexible large loads and “proximate pairings”: large loads linked with supporting generation that is co-located or electrically proximate.
The report offers guidance for grid operators as they develop solutions to comply with the FERC large load orders, which effectively require major reforms to accelerate large load interconnection processes.
Drawing on recently implemented approaches in SPP and ERCOT, and prior proposals from PJM, the report identifies four critical design components for successful implementation:
- Load curtailment obligations: Structuring requirements around net grid withdrawals can preserve reliability while reducing unnecessary load interruptions.
- Curtailment and dispatch triggers: Mandatory reductions should generally be reserved for reliability needs after lower-cost economic alternatives have been exhausted.
- Enhanced and coordinated interconnection studies: Studying linked load and supporting generation together, and recognizing load flexibility, can avoid unnecessary transmission upgrades and significantly shorten interconnection timelines.
- Operational controls: Existing grid tools such as Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch, Security-Constrained Unit Commitment, and Remedial Action Schemes can be used to dispatch flexible load curtailments and supporting generation reliably.
The report finds that combining these approaches can enable greater use of existing transmission infrastructure, facilitate faster connections for large loads and supporting generation, and avoid unnecessary costs while maintaining reliability.
