Edition 16 | January 15, 2026

With WECC Region utilities preparing to open their 2026 interconnection queue windows, developers and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) must act quickly.

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Mastering the WECC Interconnection Process in 2026

The Western U.S. is a significantly competitive region for energy development. With Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) Region utilities preparing to open their 2026 interconnection queue windows, developers and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) must act decisively.

Gain key insights and strategies to secure queue positions, reduce risks, and accelerate your energy projects.

Carlos Matar
Vice President, MENA Operations

Kicking Off 2026

Changes to Security Deposits and Interconnection Costs

As 2026 begins, developers with transmission-level generation projects in ERCOT face a major regulatory shift under the Standard Generation Interconnection Agreement (SGIA). While effective in 2024, the most meaningful impacts apply to SGIAs executed after December 31, 2025. These changes raise the stakes for timing and cost planning, so understanding them will be critical for project economics, financing, and site strategy. EPE is tracking implementation and advising developers on navigating these changes. Read more to find out how you can prevent costly surprises. 

Horea Catanase
Vice President, Interconnection Services

Are You Prepared?

Two Major SERC Windows Open in February

Interconnection in SERC differs from organized markets like PJM, SPP, or MISO, where a centralized interconnection queue exists. Instead, SERC operates on a utility-by-utility basis, with each major utility setting its own deadlines, queue procedures, and study timelines. SERC developers must closely track multiple application windows to secure their place in the queue.

Two SERC interconnection application windows open in February: Duke Energy in the Carolinas and Southern Company in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Find out how you can prepare now. 

Farid Ishak
Senior Engineering Manager

ERCOT's Next Phase of Large Load Requirements

Preparing for NOGRR 282

Large Electronic Loads (LELs) continue to scale rapidly across ERCOT, prompting new reliability standards for interconnection and energization. ERCOT’s proposed NOGRR 282, alongside NPRR 1308, formalizes voltage and frequency ride-through expectations for LELs. As these loads grow in scale, ERCOT is prioritizing ride-through performance to prevent voltage instability, frequency excursions, and potential System Operating Limit (SOL) violations. As ERCOT formalizes these requirements, early technical alignment is critical. Discover how these evolving rules may impact your project.

Register Now: Solar + Wind Finance & Investment Summit

Attend the 2026 Solar + Wind Finance & Investment Summit for a deep dive into today's challenges affecting valuation assumptions and how financing is incorporating new structures and risks.

Join EPE on March 15 - 18 in Phoenix, AZ.

More News: Our Full 2026 SERC Playbook

The SERC interconnection process is evolving rapidly, and securing timely, cost-effective grid access has never been more challenging—or more critical to project success. This playbook was created to help you gain strategies to secure queue positions, reduce risks, and navigate SERC’s interconnection landscape with confidence.

DOWNLOAD THE PLAYBOOK

More News: ERCOT's New Large Load QSA Process

To support the growing number of large loads preparing for energization through 2026, ERCOT recently introduced a new Large Load QSA process. The QSA provides a clearer view of upcoming milestones, technical prerequisites, and ERCOT’s expectations. Read more for a breakdown of upcoming deadlines.

LEARN MORE

Catch Up on Watt's Current

Need deeper analysis on any of these topics? Our engineering team is available for consultation. Reply to this email to get connected. You can also browse past articles and technical insights on our website.