Risk · Interconnection Timelines
Grid & Interconnection
How long it takes to get a new electrical grid connection, by grid operator, for a large load (e.g. a data center) or a generator (power plant).
Confidence
A Directly reported figure
B Estimated / Derived
C Regional inference / indirect estimate
D Not found / insufficient data
Load wait and generator wait are separate queues — don't average them. Fast-track pathways (e.g. SPP's HILL) are excluded from headline ranges; see Status.
US markets (7)
7 MARKETS| Grid Operator | Load Wait (yrs) | Generator Wait (yrs) | Status | Details | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO-NE (US) | 7–10 | 1.05 | Underway | Transitioning to first-ready-first-served cluster studies (FERC Orders 2023/2023-A); most tariff changes in effect, implementation ongoing. | B |
| NYISO (US) | 5–7 | 6 | Underway | Two-phase generation cluster-study process live since Aug 2024; large-load reforms in development, FERC filing targeted Dec 2026. | B |
| CAISO (US) | 5–5.6 | 9.2 | Partly completed | Core reforms (FERC-approved) effective Oct 2024; Interconnection Process Enhancements 5.0 still in tariff development. | B |
| PJM (US) | 3–4 | 1.5 | Underway | Transition Cycle 1 complete; Transition Cycle 2 processing through end of 2026. | B |
| MISO (US) | 1.5–3 | 3.5 | Underway | Queue-improvement initiative active: queue caps, study automation, ERAS expedited studies; dedicated large-load expedited process in development. | B |
| ERCOT (US) | 1–2 | 1.67 | Completed | PUCT-approved Batch Zero framework effective Jul 2026; batch studies replace project-by-project process for loads ≥75 MW. | B |
| SPP (US) | — | 4.5 | Completed & underway | Consolidated Planning Process effective Mar 2026; HILL large-load fast-track approved, effective Jan 2026. | B |
International markets (9)
9 MARKETS| Grid Operator | Load Wait (yrs) | Generator Wait (yrs) | Status | Details | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TenneT (Netherlands) | 7–10 | 1.25 | Underway (Germany) | Germany: criteria-based procedures replacing first-come-first-served for battery/large-consumer connections (Feb 2026). Netherlands: participating in faster grid-expansion programs. | B |
| NESO / National Grid ESO (UK) | 8–10 | 12.5 | Underway, stage 1 done | TMO4+ reform approved Apr 2025; new connections pipeline reordered. Gate 2 offer rollout continues through 2026–27. | B |
| RTE (France) | 3–7 | — | Underway | New rules favor mature projects; consultation launched on consumption-customer reform. Not yet fully completed. | B |
| TenneT (Germany) | up to 7 | 0.25 | Underway / implemented | Maturity-based process replacing first-come-first-served for large consumers and battery storage, as of Aug 2026. | B |
| Amprion (Germany) | up to 7 | — | Underway | Maturity-based process for storage/large-consumer/data-center requests starts Apr 2026; completion not reported. | B |
| 50Hertz (Germany) | 3.5–6.5 | 3.5 | Implemented | Maturity-based procedure replaced first-come-first-served for large consumers/storage, effective Apr 2026. | A |
| EirGrid (Ireland) | 0.625–1.5 | 1.5 | Underway, partly implemented | DCCOPP v3 for data-center connections; generation/storage under new ECP-GSS batch framework. | B |
| AEMO (Australia) | 2 | — | Underway | AEMC rule-change process for large inverter-based load connection requirements; interim guidelines in development. | B |
| DEWA (Dubai, UAE) | — | — | None reported | "First approved, first connected" queue; application bundling streamlined but not identified as queue reform. | D |