DOE Releases National Transmission Interconnection Roadmap

Executive briefing: On January 17, 2024 the U.S. Department of Energy published the National Transmission Interconnection Roadmap, outlining 35 actions utilities, regulators, and system operators must execute to clear interconnection backlogs and modernize grid data exchange. The roadmap targets process reforms, advanced modeling, and workforce development so new generation and large loads can reach commercial operation faster.

Key policy signals

Process reform. DOE called for standardized study timelines, automated queue management, and proactive sharing of grid models to reduce multi-year backlogs.
Data interoperability. The roadmap directs adoption of common data formats and secure portals so developers can access hosting capacity and constraint information.
Workforce scaling. Recommendations include national training programs for transmission planners, protection engineers, and distribution analysts to address staffing shortages.

Control alignment

Grid connection readiness. Align project gating and financial assurance policies with the roadmap’s phased study approach to avoid termination for inactivity.
Data governance. Extend data-sharing agreements and cybersecurity controls to cover the roadmap’s proposed modeling portals and standardized data exchanges.
Capacity planning. Integrate roadmap milestones into enterprise load forecast and renewable procurement plans to reflect faster queue processing.

Action checklist

Review DOE’s action matrix and map each recommendation to current interconnection queue participation.
Engage with regional transmission organizations on pilot projects highlighted in the roadmap, such as hosting capacity maps and probabilistic studies.
Budget for upgraded modeling tools and staff training aligned with DOE’s workforce development recommendations.

Sources

Zeph Tech helps operators implement the roadmap’s process and data reforms, accelerating delivery of grid-connected infrastructure.