Southwest Power Pool interim study results positive for Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV

A recent interim study by Southwest Power Pool (SPP) showed positive results in evaluating Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV (PGSIV), meaning additional power could be added to the energy grid in a matter of months.

The interim study is a mandatory part of the Interim Generator Interconnection Agreement (IGIA) application submitted by Basin Electric to SPP. This is one of the final approvals needed before the PGSIV generators can connect to the grid and electricity is allowed to be dispatched to members.

"The results from the interim study completed by SPP confirmed that the interconnection of this generation wouldn't cause any adverse impacts to the grid," said Jeremy Severson, Basin Electric vice president of Transmission. "This study is necessary to ensure that a generator connecting to the system will not negatively impact the functionality of the current grid. Once the study is complete and ensures no negative impact, SPP can offer an interconnection agreement to Basin Electric."

For context, all generators must obtain a Generator Interconnection Agreement (GIA) from a transmission provider before it can connect to the system and allow energy to be dispatched. These agreements detail the terms and conditions in which the generator will connect to and use the energy grid.

"A GIA can take years to finalize due to the very large number of generator interconnection requests, and the potential for many re-studies when requests drop out of the review process," said Justin Davy, Basin Electric electrical engineer II. "An IGIA can be applied for in parallel to the GIA application and issued in the interim while the GIA is being processed. The teams at Basin Electric were proactive and applied for an IGIA in 2023 to fast-track the interconnection, and availability of additional electricity, to members in northwestern North Dakota and across our system."

Currently, SPP is preparing drafts for the IGIA agreement for review with an estimate of executing the IGIA within the next few months. It is anticipated that the final GIA won't be offered to Basin Electric for the PGSIV generators until 2026.