What is the Queue Cap?
FERC has approved MISO’s request to set a Generator Interconnection Queue Cap to manage the growing number of interconnection requests. The cap limits the total capacity of projects that can be studied in each queue cycle. The cap sets a limit equivalent to 50% of MISO's non-coincident peak load for each study region, based upon the power flow model used in its most recent available MTEP model series.
MISO will post data pertaining to the non-coincident peak load as soon as it is available and no later than ten business days prior to a study cycle’s application deadline.
Why is MISO implementing a cap?
MISO has experienced unsustainable high queue volumes that were at or above peak load values. The cap is a backstop and necessary to address the engineering problem with serving load created by a volume of new Interconnection Requests that is not realistic. It will help produce more realistic resource dispatch models, reduce queue timelines, and produce lower interconnection costs, therefore improving the success rate of the queue.
How will MISO communicate the status of the Queue Cap?
You can view the latest information about the cap on the Queue Cap Tracker found on the MISO public website.
When is the cap being implemented and which study cycle(s) will it impact?
The cap will go into effect for MISO’s 2025 Definitive Planning Phase (DPP) study cycle and subsequent study cycles.
What happens to applications submitted after a cap closes?
The list of applications considered within a cap is not definite until 30 days before study kickoff. Space may open underneath a cap if applications withdraw before that date. As applications within the original list withdraw, projects that submitted after a cap closure for a given region closed will be considered for backfill in order of earliest submission time, allowing for the principle of first-come-first-served to persist regardless of cap status.
Why does the queue cap tracker not match the interactive queue?
The interactive queue will not include data for DPP-2025 until all applications are assigned J numbers and a final list of projects are posted by 30 days before study kickoff.
Which MTEP model series is being used as the basis for the cap calculation?
Regarding the “most recent available MTEP model series”, the DPP 2025 cycle would utilize the MTEP 25 model as its base. Subsequently, please see the MTEP model development schedule that is available on the planning-modeling section of the MISO website.
What is the process for the cap?
1. Cap information (GWs) is posted to the Queue Cap Tracker at least 10 Business Days before the application deadline.
2. Applications are reviewed in order of submission date. The payments (D1, D2, M2), Site Control and exemption requests are due with the application submittal to process the application.
3. J numbers are assigned to the projects that cleared all the deficiencies.
4. When the cap is met, the Interconnection Customers are notified if their validated project is included under the cap (determined by the submission timestamp). The list of projects included under the cap for the future cycle is posted to the Queue Cap Tracker.
5. Projects over the cap will be first in line for the next cycle, per submission timestamp.
6. If any projects under the cap are withdrawn, they will be replaced with projects over the cap up to 30 days before the kickoff.
7. The final list of under the cap projects included in the study cycle is posted to the Queue Cap Tracker 30 days before the kickoff.
8. For the future cycles impacted by the cap, the application deadline will follow normal cadence.
What happens to applications that are over the cap for a given study cycle?
Once the cap is met for a given study cycle, any additional applications submitted that were not included in the current cycle due to the cap limitations will be initially pushed to the following study cycle. Projects over the cap will be first in line for the next cycle, per submission timestamp. Projects over a study region’s cap will not be used to fill a different study region’s cap that is not filled.
By transferring excess GI requests to the next queue, MISO can provide greater transparency on how many requests there are in the current cycle but also transparency on how many requests are ready for future cycles.
Are there any cap exemptions?
Exemptions from cap requirements are being made for interconnection requests when a larger power plant replaces a retiring generating facility. Exemptions will also be allowed for resources that convert from Energy Resource Interconnection Service (ERIS) to Network Resource Interconnection Service (NRIS), and for generating facilities requesting a provisional generator interconnection agreement.
How do customers submit cap exemptions with an application?
Interconnection customers can include documentation of an exemption as part of the application submission process via the application portal.
What else is MISO doing to reform the interconnection process?
Projects are additionally subject to enhanced milestone payments, automatic withdrawal penalties, and 100% site control demonstration at the time of application. Only valid Interconnection Requests are included in each queue cycle.
The submission process of an Interconnection Request may be more competitive, but only projects that are truly ready will be rewarded. MISO will continue to process its requests in time-stamp order, even if they are moved to the next queue cycle: Only the first ready will proceed.
If an Interconnection Customer applies and the corresponding D1, D2 and M2 deposits are paid but later withdraws prior to DPP Start, what refunds or automatic withdrawal penalties are incurred?
If the project is over the cap and withdrawn prior to the study cycle kickoff, then they would be refunded 100% of M2 and any remaining D2 funds. D1 is not refundable.
If the project is under the cap and withdrawn prior to the study cycle kickoff, then they would be refunded 100% of M2 and any remaining D2 funds. D1 is not refundable.
If the project is under the cap and withdrawn after the study cycle kickoff, then the automatic withdrawal penalties are applied.
Will the cap be revisited with Stakeholders?
The cap will be reviewed with Stakeholders after completing three queue study cycles.
Who can I contact with questions?
Submit a case in the Help Center for questions or support.