New England States Committee on Electricity ’ s ( NESCOE ) proposal for a first-of-its-kind regional solicitation under the region ’ s new longer-term transmission planning ( LTTP ) process . As part of the solicitation , NESCOE requested that ISO New England issue a request for proposals ( RFP ).
The ISO expects to work on the RFP over the next several months , with proposals likely due later in 2025 . The ISO will provide updates on the process , as appropriate , through the Planning Advisory Committee or with Qualified Transmission Project Sponsors .
NESCOE ’ s request is in accordance with Phase 2 of the LTTP process . LTTP was initiated in response to the New England States ’ Vision for a Clean , Affordable , and Reliable 21st Century Regional Electric Grid issued in 2020 , which called on the ISO to incorporate longer-term transmission planning in its regional system planning process . A robust transmission system capable of integrating renewable resources and moving clean energy to New England ’ s consumers is crucial to support the states ’ emission reduction goals , but transmission can take time to build . LTTP goes beyond the current 10-year planning timeframe by allowing for upgrades that will serve the region ’ s projected needs further into the future .
NESCOE ’ s requirements for the RFP were guided by the ISO ’ s landmark 2050 Transmission Study , conducted under Phase 1 of the LTTP process . The study outlined concerns , potential roadmaps and associated costs needed to support the clean energy transition . One of the largest concerns raised in the study was the high likelihood of increased stresses on the transmission interfaces connecting northern and southern New England as the clean energy transition accelerates .
TIMELINE : HISTORICAL EFFORTS TO ADDRESS FUEL SECURITY IN NEW ENGLAND
For the past two decades , ISO New England has raised concerns about fuel supply issues limiting electricity production during periods of extreme cold weather .
Many actions have been taken over the years by the New England states , the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ( FERC ), and the ISO in attempts to address our region ’ s energy adequacy risks . Nevertheless , New England remains vulnerable to fuel supply shortages . These challenges will continue until a robust regional solution is determined to address the vulnerable energy supply chain .
This timeline reflects the ISO ’ s efforts to address regional energy adequacy concerns and related events or developments in this timeframe .
2017 – 2022 : EXTENDED COLD WEATHER EMPHASIZES RISK , RESULTS IN ADDITIONAL MEASURES
2022
FERC hosts a forum in Burlington , Vermont , to discuss the electricity and natural gas challenges facing New England . In a joint statement and in testimony , ISO New England and several gas and electric distribution companies emphasize the need to stabilize the region ’ s liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) supply chain to guard against winter fuel shortages .
2022
The ISO and the region ’ s electric utilities also prepare for the possibility of a winter energy emergency with a tabletop exercise scenario modeled after the ’ 17 –’ 18 cold snap .
2021
In February , prolonged cold leads to controlled power outages in Texas and several neighboring states . In response , the North American Electric Reliability Corporation ( NERC ) continues to highlight reliability challenges in New England . NERC for many years has identified New England as a region of particular concern relating to fuel supply infrastructure .
2021
In its annual Winter Reliability Assessment , NERC warns of regional reliability risks , stressing the need for
ISO continued on page 27 .
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