Third-Party Access to Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities: FERC Seeks the Right Balance

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is considering whether to change its policy governing third-party access to generator interconnection facilities owned by generation projects. Currently, owners of these facilities must file an open access transmission tariff upon receiving a request for transmission service from a third party, but may obtain priority rights for service over the facilities under certain circumstances. Project developers have argued that this policy does not sufficiently protect their interests and may discourage the development of needed transmission facilities to connect resources to the grid.