FERC Dismisses NV Energy’s Proposal for Interconnection Waiver

Washington, D.C. — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has dismissed NV Energy’s proposal aimed at allowing pending interconnection customers to withdraw their requests without penalties. This decision follows changes in clean energy tax credit regulations and other actions from the Trump administration.

FERC’s ruling characterized NV Energy’s request as not being “limited in scope,” which is crucial for granting regulatory waivers. The commission stated that granting this waiver would create a new process not currently stipulated in the existing tariff.

NV Energy’s proposal would have allowed customers who have paid a commercial deposit to withdraw their interconnection requests or terminate generator agreements within a 60-day period without facing penalties. They would also receive an immediate return of their deposits.

However, FERC rejected this proposal due to its broad applicability. The commission emphasized that the waiver was not tailored to a particular subset of customers who might need relief. As of October 13, NV Energy is managing 69 projects in its interconnection queue, representing about 23.1 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, of which geothermal projects make up 15%.

At the end of July, NV Energy’s queue included approximately 17.6 GW, with only about 350 megawatts (MW) of geothermal requests. Solar and battery storage hybrid projects constitute the majority, accounting for 40% of the total queue. The Solar Energy Industries Association and the Interwest Energy Alliance supported NV Energy’s request, stressing the importance of streamlining the interconnection process by eliminating non-viable projects.

Despite their backing, FERC’s decision highlights the rigorous standards required for such regulatory waivers, indicating ongoing challenges in the evolving energy landscape.