The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has signed off on a proposal by Southwest Power Pool to thoroughly and expeditiously review requests from potential customers seeking to use large amounts of electricity, SPP said on Jan. 15.
SPP’s High Impact Large Load (HILL) proposal was approved by FERC on Wednesday. HILL is part of SPP’s solution to balance the increasing number of customer requests to connect large loads, such as AI-driven data centers or manufacturing projects, to the power grid while also continuing to support energy needs for the entire region.
SPP will establish a 90-day study-and-approval process for interconnecting large loads that will be paired with new generation (either on-site or nearby) or for interconnecting large loads with current or planned generation.
"SPP is committed to ensuring the grid remains reliable and the system’s integrity remains intact," it said.
The HILL process enables early detection of system constraints, improves coordination across entities and prepares operators for real-time impacts. For developers, HILL supports faster market entry and allows these loads and supporting generation to have more confidence in expected costs and timelines.
FERC’s approval is effective as of Jan. 15.
SPP is required to make a compliance filing within 30 days to address minor ministerial matters.
In a concurring opinion, FERC commissioner David Rosner wrote, “Today’s order is a productive step toward facilitating the energy needed to win the AI race, bring back American manufacturing, and deliver the reliable and affordable energy on which families and small businesses depend. I encourage other transmission providers to take note of the innovative approach SPP proposed in this filing, and to consider proposing similar solutions tailored to meet the needs within their own footprints.”
"SPP recognizes that challenges associated with reliably serving large loads quickly while addressing consumer concerns will continue to evolve, and, as such, is continuing to craft additional responsive measures," it noted.
