Using Regional-First Planning to Streamline Large Load Interconnection

The briefing proposes a 'regional-first planning' approach to integrate large load interconnection requests, such as those from data centers, into a single region-wide planning model. This method aims to replace project-by-project analysis with coordinated system-level solutions, thereby reducing total transmission costs and closing regulatory gaps regarding the oversight of network upgrades.

• Regional-first planning integrates large load interconnection requests into a single region-wide model to identify system-wide transmission projects before determining remaining interconnection upgrades, which can lead to "right-sized" investments and lower total transmission costs.
• The proposed framework consists of three steps: first, centralizing interconnection requests at the system-wide level (e.g., with a Regional Transmission Organization) to improve data visibility; second, using these requests to inform regional-first transmission planning to replace individual system impact studies; and third, allowing transmission owners to propose incremental local investments for reliability.
• A regional-first approach helps address a 'regulatory gap' where load-related network upgrades often lack sufficient oversight from state and federal regulators, as they are frequently exempted from state permits (CPCNs) and FERC typically assumes expenses are prudent unless challenged by third-party intervenors.
• To further close the regulatory gap, the document recommends that FERC or Congress establish a federal or regional Independent Transmission Monitor (ITM) to assist state regulators and that FERC implement standardized data reporting to clarify which projects are driven by large load interconnection requests.

APA

RMI (2026). Using Regional-First Planning to Streamline Large Load Interconnection. https://rmi.org/resources/using-regional-first-planning-to-streamline-large-load-interconnection/

Chicago

RMI. Using Regional-First Planning to Streamline Large Load Interconnection. 2026. https://rmi.org/resources/using-regional-first-planning-to-streamline-large-load-interconnection/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=RMI |title=Using Regional-First Planning to Streamline Large Load Interconnection |date=14 April 2026 |url=https://rmi.org/resources/using-regional-first-planning-to-streamline-large-load-interconnection/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rmi2026using, author = {{RMI}}, title = {{Using Regional-First Planning to Streamline Large Load Interconnection}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {2026}, month = apr, url = {https://rmi.org/resources/using-regional-first-planning-to-streamline-large-load-interconnection/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }