At the Federal level, the single biggest accelerator would be a clear, consistent framework for interconnecting large loads to the grid – one that gives developers, utilities and regulators greater certainty around process, timing, cost allocation and reliability requirements. Understanding of the regulatory landscape at the outset of a new project is critical, and right now the ground is always shifting.
FERC’s June 2026 orders requiring all six RTOs/ISOs to evaluate their tariffs for potential reforms related to large load interconnection and transmission service is a big step forward, but there is still much more to come. FERC’s rules can shape site viability, project timelines, deal structure and risk allocation. FERC’s decision to tailor rules to specific regions instead of imposing standardized rules means that it will be more important than ever to keep up with the changing regulatory scheme to best position projects.
It may seem counterintuitive, but greater diligence at the outset often creates a faster path to construction. Identifying regulatory conflicts and bottlenecks early allows developers to address them while solutions are still manageable and relatively inexpensive. Skipping that work does not eliminate delay – it pushes the problem to a later, more costly stage, when a surprise can significantly delay or, in rare cases, derail the project.