Backed by a new process conducted by the New England states, ISO-NE is moving forward with a request for proposals to build new transmission that would bring wind to market from Northern Maine.

Stakeholders expressed widespread support for the goals of NESCOE’s proposed procurement of transmission solutions in Maine and New Hampshire, while offering differing views on the scope and format of the solicitation.

Sheila Keane of the New England States Committee on Electricity discussed the scope of ISO-NE's first longer-term transmission planning solicitation.

The New England states are planning to solicit project proposals to increase the region’s north-to-south transmission capacity, the New England States Committee on Electricity said.

The RTO will next year focus on capacity auction reforms, establishing a regional energy shortfall threshold, complying with FERC orders 1920 and 2023, and implementing market and technology improvements.

New England transmission owners discussed updates to the guidelines for asset condition project presentations at the ISO-NE PAC to address concerns from states about transparency amid ballooning costs.

As the variability of generation and demand increases on the grid, market enhancements may be needed to promote dispatchable resources, ISO-NE told the PAC.

NESCOE is raising the alarm on Eversource’s planned rebuild of the X-178 transmission line in New Hampshire, arguing that the company has not adequately justified the need for the $385 million project.

FERC approved ISO-NE’s proposal of a new process to solicit, select and allocate costs for transmission projects that address needs identified in long-term planning studies.

The states that filed for a rehearing of FERC Order 1920 on transmission planning and cost allocation either argue the federal regulator is overstepping its authority or want changes to the order to ensure it doesn’t upset ongoing regional planning efforts.