For many developers, the period between submitting an interconnection request and receiving approval can feel like a black box. Years may pass before reaching an executable agreement, with little visibility into what's being studied, how costs are developing, or when key decisions need to be made.
This session pulls back the curtain on the cluster study process established under FERC Order No. 2023. It covers how projects are evaluated, how network upgrades are identified, how costs are allocated, and how interactions among projects in a cluster can shift outcomes.
Developers are often required to make significant commercial decisions on short timelines, sometimes with only a few weeks to determine whether additional capital should remain at risk. Successful developers prepare for these moments in advance by understanding the range of possible outcomes, evaluating upgrade exposure early, and setting clear investment criteria before results arrive.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the timeline, the milestones that matter most, and how to manage interconnection risk proactively rather than reactively.
Key takeaways
- A clear map of the cluster study lifecycle and the major decision points along the way, including when developers may need to commit additional capital, provide financial security, or determine whether a project remains commercially viable.
- A practical explanation of how network upgrades and associated costs are identified and allocated, and why outcomes can change as other projects enter, withdraw from, or move through the cluster.
- Strategies for becoming a proactive participant in the interconnection process, including how to prepare for study results, evaluate upgrade exposure, and make informed decisions when critical milestones are reached.
Presenter:
John Bernecker
John is the Interconnection Technical Director at E Source, where he helps generation and large-load developers navigate the interconnection process from site selection through commissioning. His expertise spans transmission planning, power system analysis, electric system reliability, regulatory strategy, and ISO/RTO interconnection processes. Previously, John founded NYSERDA’s Transmission Center of Excellence and held leadership roles in transmission planning and resource integration at ERCOT. He holds degrees from Penn State, Columbia University, and the George Washington University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer.