Last Updated: June, 2025
The NYISO Interconnection Queue is a structured system managed by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) to process and evaluate requests for connecting new energy projects to New York's electric grid. NYISO operates the state’s bulk power system, administers its wholesale energy markets, and plans for long-term grid reliability and capacity.
The interconnection queue functions as a waiting list and process management system. It ensures that each proposed project is systematically evaluated for its impact on grid stability, reliability, and infrastructure needs.
The queue plays several key roles:
Grid Reliability: Ensures the safe integration of new projects without overloading the system.
Clean Energy Transition: Helps manage the shift toward renewable energy sources.
Fair Market Access: Standardizes access for all developers, regardless of size or technology.
Infrastructure Planning: Supports long-term forecasting and grid upgrade coordination.
Policy Implementation: Enables prioritization of projects aligned with state and federal energy goals.
The queue includes a wide range of project types:
Generation Projects: Solar farms, wind turbines, battery storage, etc.
Transmission Projects: New lines or upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Load Projects: Large power consumers like data centers or industrial facilities.
Hybrid Projects: Combinations of generation and storage technologies.
How the NYISO Interconnection Process Works
The NYISO interconnection process is the formal pathway for new generation, transmission, or large-load projects to connect to the New York electric grid. This structured procedure ensures each project is reviewed for its technical feasibility and grid impact.
Step-by-Step Overview:
Pre-Application Phase: Developers use NYISO’s heatmap to identify viable locations and may engage in preliminary discussions.
Application Submission: Developers submit detailed technical data, proof of site control, and initial deposits.
Queue Assignment: Projects are placed into a cluster during the designated Application Window.
Cluster Study Process (Phases 1 & 2):
Phase 1: Physical feasibility screening and opportunity for penalty-free withdrawal.
Phase 2: In-depth grid impact analysis and cost allocation based on a “first-ready, first-served” model.
Facilities Study & Agreement: Detailed engineering, upgrade cost estimates, and execution of the interconnection agreement.
Required Documentation Includes
Technical specifications
Site control documentation
Feasibility, Impact, and Facilities Studies
Optional resource-specific studies as needed
Typical Timelines:
Pre-application: 1–2 months
Cluster Studies: 9–12 months
Facilities Study: 3–4 months
Agreement Finalization: 2–3 months
Total process: ~16–24 months (longer for complex projects)
Cost Considerations:
Study Deposits: Required at each stage, scaled to project size
Commercial Readiness Deposits: Increase as the project advances
Interconnection & Network Upgrade Costs: Shared under cluster model
Ongoing Costs: Operational compliance and equipment maintenance
Developers must be prepared for significant upfront and ongoing costs, along with penalties for withdrawal after key milestones.
Recent NYISO Queue Reforms & FERC Order 2023
To address chronic delays and align with FERC Order 2023, NYISO overhauled its interconnection process in 2024, shifting from serial reviews to a two-phase cluster study approach. This new model enables simultaneous analysis of multiple projects, improving efficiency and reducing average wait times that previously exceeded six years.
FERC Order 2023 mandated several key changes that NYISO has now implemented:
Cluster Studies: Projects are grouped and studied together, enabling holistic grid impact analysis and faster processing.
Readiness Requirements: Developers must show site control and financial commitment earlier to discourage speculative projects.
Cost Allocation Reform: Upgrade costs are now shared proportionally among projects in a cluster, reducing the first-mover disadvantage.
Withdrawal Penalties: Stricter penalties now apply to late-stage project withdrawals to preserve queue integrity.
Informational Studies: Optional pre-queue studies help developers assess project viability before entering the formal process.
NYISO also introduced an online portal, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and new transparency measures. Collectively, these reforms aim to accelerate interconnection timelines, improve fairness, and support New York’s clean energy transition.
Future Outlook for NYISO Interconnection
As New York targets 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% zero-emission power by 2040, NYISO’s interconnection queue will face increasing pressure. The surge in applications—from offshore wind, solar, storage, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen—will require NYISO to continue modernizing its process and infrastructure.
Key drivers of change include:
Grid Modernization Needs: Legacy infrastructure must evolve to support bidirectional power flows, variable generation, and advanced storage.
Technological Complexity: A growing mix of distributed energy resources, hybrid projects, and microgrids demands more flexible interconnection processes.
Transmission Expansion: NYISO and state authorities are investing in new corridors and upgrades to alleviate bottlenecks and connect remote renewables.
Anticipated enhancements may include:
Further refinement of cluster study mechanics
Smart grid and forecasting technologies
Locational pricing to guide project siting
Fast-tracking low-impact or strategically sited projects
Interregional coordination with neighboring grids
Ongoing stakeholder engagement and regulatory alignment will be essential to balancing rapid clean energy integration with grid reliability.