Using regional-first planning to streamline large load interconnection

RMI introduces a regional-first planning framework to align large load interconnection requests with system-wide transmission planning and to close the regulatory gap.

• Main announcement: RMI proposes regional-first planning, a three-step approach (1. centralized large load interconnection queue, 2. regional-first transmission planning, 3. targeted local and interconnection investments) to identify system-wide projects first and then design remaining interconnection upgrades, noting No region to date has fully implemented a regional-first framework. The proposal replaces project-by-project system impact studies with coordinated, system-level solutions and preserves utility access to customer data.
• Background and recommendations: The paper highlights the existing regulatory gap where load-related network upgrades are approved without a meaningful look at prudence, and recommends concrete actions: creation of a federal/regional Independent Transmission Monitor (ITM), standardized data reporting for transmission projects shared with state regulators, and greater regulatory scrutiny of incremental post-system projects. RMI also points readers to its Large Loads Tariffs Dashboard and the Mind the Regulatory Gap report for implementation details.