I am writing in response to the Aug. 12 story titled “Local Power Grid Operator’s Failure To Plan Is Costing Marylanders Millions.”
PJM Interconnection, operator of the nation’s largest electricity grid, has seen interest in our interconnection process recently, which we welcome. Unfortunately, we don’t agree with The Banner’s headline and don’t think the article addresses all the facts.
Electricity demand is significantly increasing while electricity supply is decreasing. In Maryland, this issue is further compounded by 14 generation plants/units that have either retired or plan to retire and a lack of transmission infrastructure to import needed energy.
The story suggests that PJM didn’t properly plan for the energy transition that’s underway and is somehow delaying a transition to renewable energy generation. That is simply untrue and shows a complete lack of understanding of how PJM plans and operates the system. In reality, PJM processes the most interconnection studies nationwide for integrating new generation resources. PJM is implementing its FERC-approved generation interconnection reform, with approximately 72,000 MW of resources expected to be processed in 2024 and 2025.
But we believe there is an important fact that requires more attention. Today, PJM has 38,000 MW of mostly renewable energy approved through its interconnection process and ready to build. The developers of these important projects have everything they need to move to completion, but that is not happening. They cite continued supply chain delays, project financing and local siting issues as reasons for the lag in construction and operation. While all those factors are outside of PJM’s control, they are no less concerning for the industry overall because new generation is needed to replace the resources seeking retirement.
The fact is that PJM’s interconnection process is reformed, proceeding and playing its role in the energy transition, but the industry must come together to bring these new generation resources to fruition. This issue is highly complex and requires accurate and thorough reporting, but also honest conversations about how to ensure reliability as the grid evolves. Keeping the lights on is and will always be our most important priority for the more than 65 million people we serve.
Susan Buehler
The letter writer is chief communications officer for PJM Interconnection
