BPA implements new interconnection cluster study, opens transition window as it weighs day‑ahead market participation

The Bonneville Power Administration said it has begun implementing transmission and interconnection reforms from the TC25 settlement and is preparing a major transition cluster study for generator interconnection requests.

Administrator John Harston said BPA's new tariff and interconnection practices use a first‑ready, first‑serve cluster‑study approach designed to connect new generators more efficiently. The transition request window opened June 30 and closes Sept. 28; customers with eligible requests can opt into the transition cluster study. Harston said 302 requests totaling more than 150 gigawatts are eligible and that the transition cluster study will begin Jan. 27, 2025.

The new process requires proof of commercial readiness and site control to participate in the study. "This reform effort is critical to our 2024 to 2028 strategy as we advance transmission investments and find innovative solutions to integrate resources," Harston said.

Separately, BPA continues to evaluate whether to participate in a day‑ahead market. Harston summarized a staff recommendation on day‑ahead market participation and said developments among regional utilities and west‑wide governance efforts affect the analysis. He said BPA seeks a market with durable, effective and independent governance that fairly represents participants, and that the agency is balancing deliberation with urgency.

BPA urged stakeholders to monitor the transition schedule and to submit transition requests by the Sept. 28 deadline; the agency said it will provide additional technical detail in customer workshops and on the QBR web page.