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Officials say PJM interconnection backlog and queue rules are delaying large renewable projects
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Summary
DEP staff and energy‑office participants told attendees that many renewable projects are stalled by a PJM interconnection backlog and a current moratorium on new queue entries, while small projects under ~3 MW interconnect at the distribution level; DEP staff said reforms and legislation are under discussion.
During the Q&A, attendees asked whether Pennsylvania grids are ready for large‑scale solar deployment. DEP and energy‑office staff described the PJM interconnection process and a current backlog that has prompted a moratorium on new projects entering the queue.
Sarpencer, introduced on the call as staff with the energy programs office, said PJM controls approval to interconnect to the regional transmission grid and noted a backlog of interconnection requests that is slowing projects, the majority of which are renewables. He explained the PJM process is generally first‑come, first‑served and can impose long waits between approval and construction.
Speaker 1 said smaller projects (about 3 megawatts or below) generally bypass PJM and interconnect with local electric distribution companies, which must evaluate whether the local grid can handle additions. Multiple participants described efforts underway to reform PJM processing and mentioned proposed legislation to change how projects are processed.
The exchange clarified that DEP and its energy office can support local planning, technical assistance and ordinances for solar siting but that final interconnection to the transmission system requires PJM processing and participation by distribution companies. DEP staff offered to share resources on energy resilience and microgrids and said they are working with partners on procedural reforms.
