Maximize Your SPP Interconnection Success: Key Insights Ahead of the March 1 Deadline 

As generation projects expand across the U.S., developers face a critical challenge: navigating the complex interconnection process within regional transmission organizations (RTOs) like the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). The upcoming March 1, 2025 SPP interconnection queue closure represents a pivotal moment for developers aiming to secure their place in this market. Missing this deadline could mean waiting until late 2026 for the next application window – a delay most projects cannot afford.  

With SPP transitioning to their new Consolidated Planning Process, there will also be added uncertainty with future clusters on how exactly this process will be implemented (more to come on this topic in a future blog post). 

At EPE, we’re here to help you make the most of this opportunity, leveraging our deep expertise and commitment to guiding clients through every step of the process. 

What Is the SPP Interconnection Queue Window? 

The SPP interconnection queue window is the formal period of time during which developers must submit an interconnection request in order to ultimately connect their renewable energy projects – like wind, solar, and storage– to the SPP grid. During this window, developers must submit a complete and comprehensive application that meets SPP’s requirement in order for the application to be validated and for the project to be studied as part of the upcoming cycle.  

After the applications are validated, the SPP Definitive Interconnection System Impact Study (DISIS) process begins which involves a series of engineering studies evaluating the impact of the proposed projects on the safety and reliability of the system. The DISIS process also identifies necessary system upgrades and the required costs for these projects to be interconnected to the system. 

Key deadlines, like the March 1 window closure (likely occurring on February 28 this year, given that March 1 is a Saturday), are critical milestones as they determine which projects will make it into this year’s cluster. This, in turn, determines how quickly these projects will ultimately get connected. Missing this window may lead to delays that stretch into years, particularly with the next queue window not reopening until mid-2026. For developers eager to move projects forward, acting now is essential. 

Why Is This Deadline So Important? 

The renewable energy landscape in the SPP region offers immense opportunity: 

• A rapidly growing need for interconnection to meet clean energy goals. 
• Recently approved transmission upgrades portfolio through the ITP process creating additional capacity in the system  

However, the March 1 deadline brings unique challenges: 

1. Tight Timelines: Developers typically need 4 weeks to prepare and submit a successful application, meaning early February is the time to act. 
2. Regulatory Complexity: The interconnection process involves evolving federal, RTO, and utility-specific requirements. 

Why Partner with EPE? 

Navigating the interconnection queue process can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how our experts at EPE can help: 

1. Proven Expertise 
   With experience supporting over 100 interconnection applications in SPP alone and working with over 350 clients across North America, we have the deep expertise to help you navigate the interconnection queue. From site selection to shovel-ready stages, our experts support you every step of the way. 
    
2. Comprehensive Lifecycle Support 
   Unlike other consultants who may focus on just one part of the process, EPE offers support from A to Z. Whether it’s addressing application deficiencies or navigating study results, we ensure you stay on track toward interconnection success. 
    
3. Inside Knowledge of SPP 
   Our team includes professionals who have worked directly with SPP and utilities within the region, giving us both experiential knowledge and a successful perspective on navigating this complex market. 
    
4. Real-Time Regulatory Updates 
   SPP’s processes are constantly changing, but our participation in relevant stakeholder groups ensures we’re always up to date, helping you avoid common pitfalls, assess cost risk and make more informed decisions. 
    
5. Efficient, High-Quality Delivery 
   Tight deadlines don’t have to mean compromises. EPE employs streamlined operations to expedite processes without sacrificing quality. 

What Can You Do Right Now? 

To ensure your application is submitted on time, we recommend taking these immediate steps: 

• Review Your Project Pipeline: Identify projects that need to enter the queue by March 1. 
• Connect with EPE: Whether you’ve worked with us before or are new to our services, now is the time to reach out. 
• Watch Our On-Demand Webinar: Gain exclusive insights into navigating this process successfully and learn how EPE can support your projects. 

Join Us for an Exclusive Webinar 

Update: our webinar is now past. You can view it at the top of the page or on YouTube.