ISO-NE joins NYISO, PJM in supporting states’ call for increased focus on transmission

ISO New England has joined with two other power grid operators in support of a proposal from eight Northeast states to facilitate the clean energy transition through enhanced transmission planning across regional borders.

Earlier this month, officials from the six New England states as well as New York and New Jersey asked for help from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to form a Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission. The officials said the proposed partnership between DOE, the states, and the three affected Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) could help “strengthen our power grid, drive down consumer costs, and accelerate the deployment of clean energy,” particularly offshore wind.

In a response this week, the RTOs said they agree they have a key part to play. The letter was signed by ISO New England President and CEO Gordon van Welie and his counterparts from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and PJM Interconnection, which serves New Jersey and 12 other states and the District of Columbia.

The letter notes the three RTOs already share information and cooperate extensively around system planning studies and projects with cross-border impact.

“Offshore wind development is a key component of the larger reviews of interregional transfer capability across the Eastern Interconnection,” the executives wrote. “Accordingly, the NYISO, PJM, and ISO New England welcome the opportunity to leverage the expertise, tools, and processes we have in place to serve the work of a Northeast States Collaborative.”