Fixing PJM's interconnection delays to speed new generation

RMI authors call on PJM to prioritize speeding interconnection so queued generators can compete and reduce soaring capacity costs.

• Main action: RMI urges PJM to speed interconnection to allow queued resources to enter the market sooner; key facts: average interconnection timeline >8 years (2025) vs. 1-year expert target, capacity price spike from $29/MW-day to $330/MW-day, and total capacity bill increase from $2.2B to $16.1B (latest auction). These delays forced customers to pay an additional $13.9B to existing generators.
• Background and details: PJM completed TC1 in 544 days; over 100 GW applied to TC1 and ~40 GW were studied in the first phase (article notes XX received agreements); FERC granted a 540-day independent entity variation; TC1 network upgrade costs average ~$309k/MW (far above NREL and DOE benchmarks). RMI recommends software deployment, ERIS reform, advanced transmission technologies (ATTs), and proactive transmission planning with concrete references to Pearl Street, Nira Energy, GridAstra, Quanta and related studies.