ISO-NE ’ s 2050 Transmission Study
ISO work with stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive , long-term regional transmission study . In response , the ISO sought approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ( FERC ) to incorporate a new transmission planning process that looks beyond the current 10-year planning horizon . This led to the 2050 Transmission Study , which is the first example of its kind within New England .
The ISO has coordinated with NESCOE throughout the project , introducing a scope of work , preliminary assumptions , and methodology in November 2021 . The ISO presented results showing reliability concerns throughout spring and early summer 2022 . Updates on proposed solutions followed in December 2022 and April 2023 , and the ISO presented initial key takeaways and roadmap outlines in July 2023 . The final report is expected in early 2024 .
The ISO worked with NESCOE to develop key study assumptions based on the “ All Options Pathway ” described in Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap report , published in December 2020 . The All Options Pathway provided two types of data input for the 2050 Transmission Study : New England ’ s expected hourly loads for all hours in a year for 2035 , 2040 , and 2050 , and renewable and conventional energy capacity for the same years .
The longer-term transmission study process is currently informational , and it does not include a formal mechanism for triggering the construction of new transmission projects .
The ISO began stakeholder discussions on the second phase of the new study process in October 2023 . This phase is designed to create a process for the ISO and NESCOE to choose transmission system concerns to address , solicit transmission project proposals , and advance those proposals towards construction and operation . Stakeholder discussions on this second phase will
continue throughout late 2023 and the first half of 2024 . Depending on the timing of these changes to the ISO ’ s tariff , the results of the 2050 Transmission Study or other future longer-term transmission studies may inform this solution development process . Note : This information is reprinted from the ISO New England website . For more information , visit www . iso-ne . com . l FON
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