California Approves Fast-Track Grid Connection Plan for Large Power Loads

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 28, the Board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) approved a new plan for connecting large loads to the grid, which aims to establish an accelerated procedure for high-power-consumption projects such as data centers and large manufacturing facilities to connect to the transmission network. The plan introduces a flexible interim load interconnection mechanism that allows eligible projects to connect early, subject to grid operating constraints, before the supporting grid upgrade projects are completed. CAISO plans to submit the plan to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by November 16 for further review.

The approved Flexible Interim Load Interconnection (FILI) mechanism requires large power-consuming facilities to assume binding load-adjustment obligations during the early interconnection period, with specific operational flexibility determined by grid conditions and transmission constraints. The mechanism targets interconnection requests where transmission network upgrades are still under implementation, allowing projects to obtain power supply service early provided that the corresponding operating conditions are met, and the related interconnection arrangements must comply with grid reliability requirements.

The interconnection review process will also be adjusted. CAISO proposes to establish a monthly dedicated review window to evaluate requests for new or upgraded transmission facilities arising from large load connections outside the regular transmission planning cycle, and to coordinate interconnection studies with entities participating in transmission operations. The related arrangements align with FERC's 60-to-90-day load interconnection study timeframe, covering interconnection applications, technical studies, operating standards, and grid planning coordination.

Technical management requirements for large loads include submitting hourly electricity consumption forecasts, providing telemetry and necessary operational data so that CAISO can monitor load operating status. The plan also proposes establishing communication protocols coordinated with transmission operators to implement remote disconnection of large loads when necessary to maintain transmission system reliability, and requires transmission customers serving large loads to maintain necessary communication channels.

For projects where generation facilities and large loads are located at the same site, the plan sets out supporting information filing and interconnection application requirements so that grid operators can understand the operating arrangements on both the generation and load sides. CAISO also proposes to establish a rules framework to prevent the costs of new large load interconnections from being shifted to other users, and to include generation and load facilities that are geographically close but not at the same site in the scope of subsequent policy studies.

The plan is part of CAISO's response to a regulatory order issued by FERC in June 2026 to six regional grid operators and related transmission owners. What the Board approved this time is a rules proposal submitted to the federal regulatory body, which will subsequently be reviewed by FERC for whether it meets the requirements for fast-track interconnection of large loads, grid reliability, and cost allocation.