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Miles Farmer

@mfarmer.bsky.social
2.6K followers 1K following 180 posts

clean energy policy, strategy, and law

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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Tyler Norris @tnorris.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Notable op-ed today by @allisonclements.bsky.social @mfarmer.bsky.social & Sam Walsh: "bottom line is that enabling load flexibility is critical to achieving speed-to-power for large customers while keeping the grid reliable and affordable for the rest of us." 🔌💡 www.utilitydive.com/news/data-ce...
utilitydive.com
Making flexibility work: A concrete framework for the DOE large load proposal
The proposal for interconnecting data centers to the grid calls for load flexibility but gives few details. Former FERC Commissioner Allison Clements and Miles Farmer and Sam Walsh of Roselle LLP fill...
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
To get from the high-level principles announced in the ANOPR to real-world implementation would take a lot of work from @ferc.gov, utilities and developers. We discuss these issues in the Policy Brief.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
As we discuss in the Policy Brief, "flexibility" can mean a lot of things: it includes demand response capabilities, utility-scale batteries paired with the load, and other strategies discussed in our Brief. Here's an example, from @verrusdata.bsky.social: www.latitudemedia.com/news/verrus-...
latitudemedia.com
Verrus successfully demos its flexible data center technology
The Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners’ venture used an NREL testing software platform to validate its tech under real-world grid conditions.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
@tnorris.bsky.social discusses the benefits of load flexibility in his @nytimes.com op ed. It can provide speed-to-power for the large customer, while keeping electricity affordable and reliable for everyone else. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/04/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | A Simple Fix to America’s Soaring Electricity Prices
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
DOE's ANOPR could change the way large energy users connect to the grid. This Policy Brief, by Roselle, @allisonclements.bsky.social and Nicholas Institute, unpacks a promising principle in the ANOPR: interconnection for flexible loads should be expedited. nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/publications...
nicholasinstitute.duke.edu
How DOE’s Proposed Large Load Interconnection Process Could Unlock the Benefits of Load Flexibility
In the United States, the current system for interconnecting large electric loads, like data centers, to the grid has left all sides frustrated. Data center developers are mired in slow interconnectio...
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Saw from @nickguidi.bsky.social that DOE actually used its section 403 authority more recently with gas certification policy: www.utilitydive.com/news/in-unus...
bsky.app
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
lisa martine jenkins @lisamartinejenkins.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Late night filing from Chris Wright that could greatly expand federal authority over interconnection -- and fast track the process for flexible large loads. By me for @latitudemedia.bsky.social ⤵️ www.latitudemedia.com/news/wright-... #energysky
latitudemedia.com
Wright directs FERC to fast track large load interconnection
In a notice of proposed rulemaking, the Energy Secretary endorsed accelerating interconnection for flexible loads like data centers.
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Avi Zevin @azevin.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Roselle partner @mfarmer.bsky.social outlines thoughts on DOE's start of a rulemaking process at FERC on large load interconnection. This is MUCH better than the last time the Trump Admin kicked off a rule making process at FERC (in 2017 aimed at keeping piles of coal around)
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
There is a provision of the Department of Energy Organization Act (section 403) that provides DOE with authority to propose rulemakings to FERC. It is not commonly used. The last time it was done was DOE's ill-conceived bailout of "baseload" resources.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
10 - clarifies that it does not discourage filings from utilities to implement similar reforms while the ANOPR proposal is pending:
This proposal is not intended in any way to discourage public utilities from
making filings to address these and similar issues under FPA section 205
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
9 - calls for transition plans in adopting new rules
Thirteenth, there must be a plan to implement these proposed reforms. We seek
comment on appropriate transition plans, including the treatment of large load
interconnections that are already being studied for interconnection.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
8 - gives the large load customer the option to build:
Ninth, to the extent the interconnection customer is not the transmission owner,
the interconnection customer shall be afforded the same (or equivalent) option to build as
currently provided to generator interconnection customers.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
7 - proposes to assign 100% of network upgrade costs to the large loads. Calls for comment on whether such costs should be offset through a crediting mechanism and, if so, over how many years.
Eighth, load and hybrid facilities should be responsible for 100% of the network
upgrades that they are assigned through the interconnection studies. We seek comment
on whether such costs should be offset through a crediting mechanism and, if so, over
how many years.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
6 - Calls for flexible loads to get priority!
Seventh, the interconnection study of large loads that agree to be curtailable and
hybrid facilities that agree to be curtailable and dispatchable should be expedited. The
system operator's ability to control such facilities through curtailment and/or dispatch
must be sufficient for the system operator to integrate the facility into both operations and
system planning. This ensures the timely and orderly addition of large loads to the
transmission system in a safe, reliable, and non-discriminatory manner. We seek
comment on whether this should be accomplished through a serial interconnection study
process or by some other means. We also seek comment on appropriate deadlines for
such an expedited study process, including whether such studies can be completed in 60
days.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
5 - DOE calls for standardized study deposits, readiness requirements, and withdrawal penalties.
Fourth, like generating facilities, load and hybrid facilities should be subject to
standardized study deposits, readiness requirements, and withdrawal penalties. These
provisions deter speculative projects and provide transmission providers with more useful
information to more accurately forecast demand on their systems. We seek comment on
the extent to which the existing study deposits, readiness requirements, and withdrawal
penalties can be adopted. We also seek comment on whether additional commitments or
financial penalties would be appropriate.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
4 - DOE calls for load and generation to be studied together wherever practicable:
Third, to the extent practicable, load and hybrid facilities should be studied
together with generating facilities. Such an approach will allow for efficient siting of
loads and generating facilities and thereby minimize the need for costly network
upgrades.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
3 - DOE sets a threshold of 20 MW for the reforms' applicability:
 Second, consistent with the Commission's pro forma LGIP and LGIA, the reforms
should only apply to new loads greater than 20 MW and, for hybrid facilities
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
2 - DOE claims that @ferc.gov has jurisdiction over the interconnection of large loads TO THE TRANMISSION SYSTEM. Makes a robust argument for this jurisdiction but states that it is not regulating interconnection to the distribution system.
 There are at least four legaljustifications for the Commission's jurisdiction over
such interconnections. First, like generator interconnections, large load interconnections
are a "critical component of open access transmission servicc'v? that require minimum
terms and conditions to ensure non-discriminatory transmission service.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
1 - The Secretary is asking for a fast response:
On behalf of the American people, and given the urgency of this issue, I look
forward to your consideration and final action (no later than April 30, 2026).
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Major development!: Department of Energy directs @ferc.gov to consider an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on large load interconnection. THREAD with some key highlights:
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Ari Peskoe @aripeskoe.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Federal appeals court shakes up transmission line siting. 3rd Circuit holds PA PUC's permit denial based on lack of need is preempted by PJM's regional planning process. Opinion is on PACER but not yet posted by 3rd Circuit on its site
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Brendan Pierpont @brendan.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
I think we're at the tip of the iceberg for permissionless DERs. Imagine a 1200 W plug in solar, with a few kWh of storage on the same circuit acting as a UPS for your fridge or room AC. Could get interesting.
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Tyler Norris @tnorris.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
The cryptocurrency sector has responded enthusiastically to our study. The constructive engagement is appreciated, and at the same time, it's important to clarify a few key points made in this latest media coverage. 🧵 🔌💡
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Jason Burwen @jburwen.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
The ability to quickly build new resources, even those with "lower" capacity accreditation, will support power system reliability in the near term better than overwrought deliverability studies that try to account for each resource's contribution and slow everything to a crawl
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Best news I’ve read in a while. The stop work order on Empire Wind has been lifted! 🔌💡#offshorewind www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
washingtonpost.com
Trump officials allow massive New York offshore wind project to restart
The administration reversed course and will allow the Empire Wind project to proceed after lobbying by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Norwegian energy firm Equinor.
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Robbie Orvis @robbieorvis.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
I've read through the text from House Energy and Commerce and now Ways and Means. I'm here to tell you this is as bad as it gets for clean energy. We are working to analyze the impact of the actual bill language, but it will be pretty close to our assessment of full repeal we did about a month ago.
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Benjamin Williams @energybenjamin.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
🌙 Now Posted: @ferc.gov Issues Order on Compliance & Tariff Revisions in @iso-ne.com. This stems from #FERC Order 2023. ferc.gov/news-events/... 🔌💡 #EnergySky
ferc.gov
FERC Issues Order on Compliance and Tariff Revisions in Docket Nos. ER24-2009 & ER24-2007
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Tyler Norris @tnorris.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Today I testified to the US House Energy & Commerce Energy Subcommittee for its hearing on "Scaling for Growth," alongside PJM, Southern Company & the Electric Coops - a few things that stood out to me 🧵(1/6) 🔌💡
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Canary Media Inc. @canarymedia.com · 03/03/2025
Illinois lawmakers are pushing for more grid-enhancing tech, gigawatts of new energy storage, and the creation of a virtual-power-plant program. Reporting by Kari Lydersen:
buff.ly
After groundbreaking bills on jobs and solar, Illinois tackles the…
State lawmakers are pushing for more grid-enhancing tech, gigawatts of new energy storage, and the creation of a virtual-power-plant program.
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
EnergyAbe @energyabe.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Connecting infrastructure to the grid has been a passion since I worked on FERC's original Order 2003. Surplus interconnection is fast and provides states a tool to accelerate policy achievement even in the face of long queues. Great to work with ‪@mfarmer.bsky.social & the GridLab team!
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Tyler Norris @tnorris.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Surplus interconnection + large load flexibility are two promising near-term ways to mitigate gas overbuild, writes UPenn Kleinman Center's @johnhquigley.bsky.social 🔌💡 kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/commentary/b...
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
Costa Samaras @costasamaras.com · 22/02/2025
The richest/saddest man in the world is emailing air traffic controllers that don't work for him, on Saturday night, to demand they say how many planes they landed last week, or else they get fired? Do I have that right? Loser stuff
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
The breadth of destruction in one short month is staggering: www.theverge.com/elon-musk/61...
theverge.com
Elon Musk’s first month of destroying America will cost us decades
There’s no considered plan, just careless mass destruction.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Organizing in districts hit hard by DOGE slash and burn tactics (and Republican Congress’ failure to defend their constitutional power over spending) seems like a smart approach: www.huffpost.com/entry/georgi...
huffpost.com
'We're Pissed!': Angry Constituents Confront DOGE-Backing GOP Rep At Chaotic Town Hall
Rich McCormick was met with boos and jeers as "hundreds of critics" reportedly let him have it at the Georgia town hall event.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Fair. VRE doesn’t help much in ‘very low VRE’ hours. But remember, you can also use surplus interconnection to connect storage! Use cases include storage at low capacity factor fossil sites and adding storage to existing wind/solar that has seen accreditation cut with increased penetration.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
A Tuesday night get together sounds good to me
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
There can be capacity value in addition to fuel value. The combined resource is more likely to show up than the single one. But this depends on grid operator rules that allow for accessing the capacity value and an underlying capacity accreditation regime that gives it credit.
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
sylvain gignac @sylvaingignac.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Great paper... for BPS, surplus interconnection reduces the study burden on operators by allowing new resources to connect without full interconnection studies = fewer upgrades and simpler reliability checks are needed + helping clear backlogged interconnection queues faster. 🔌💡
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Argh, I need an edit button. The process "to" hook up to the system...
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Even scratching the surface of the potential could play a big role in meeting the demands of growing load across the country. But that will take concerted action from grid operators, state regulators, and market participants. Significant positive steps forward are being taken in PJM and elsewhere.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Our report accompanies a technical analysis demonstrating tremendous potential (thousands of gigawatts!) for surplus interconnection across the country. www.scarcitytosurplus.com @ricoconnell.bsky.social
scarcitytosurplus.com
From Scarcity to Surplus: A Renewable Energy Revolution
Exploring innovative solutions for renewable energy deployment
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
With "surplus interconnection", energy resources can move through the process hook up to the system in months rather than the typical 5+ years. @energyabe.bsky.social and I have a new report with GridLab on how to advance its use: surplusinterconnection.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2025-02-21_G...
surplusinterconnection.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com
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Ric O'Connell @ricoconnell.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
#EnergySky friends, we are releasing a set of papers today outlining how #SurplusInterconnection can unlock GW of new resources. Surplus is a way to plug wind and solar into existing thermal plants. Check out our papers, along with a cool interactive dashboard, here: www.scarcitytosurplus.com
scarcitytosurplus.com
From Scarcity to Surplus: A Renewable Energy Revolution
Exploring innovative solutions for renewable energy deployment
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Reposted by Miles Farmer
John Walke @johndwalke.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Trump orders federal agencies to grant reckless, sweeping amnesty for corporate lawbreakers of federal health, safety, environmental, civil rights & labor laws • orders termination of valid & ongoing law enforcement when inconsistent with "Administration policy" www.whitehouse.gov/presidential... 1/
whitehouse.gov
Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's "Department of Government Efficiency" Regulatory Initiative
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:       Section 1.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Fixing load interconnection is an increasingly important issue. Some thoughts from @allisonclements.bsky.social and Peter Freed: www.utilitydive.com/news/data-ce...
utilitydive.com
How to reduce large load speculation? Standardize the interconnection process.
We can haphazardly continue down the path of a fragmented and increasingly untenable approach to large load-side interconnection, or we can introduce rational standardization to the process.
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Costa Samaras @costasamaras.com · 20/02/2025
This agency is the place that stops hackers from shutting down the power grid
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Ari Peskoe @aripeskoe.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Also, this seems like a decent summary. But it would be nice if it acknowledged that the firm is currently suing FERC claiming that its structure violates the Constitution. www.jenner.com/en/news-insi...
jenner.com
Client Alert: Independent Agencies Under a Microscope—What Are the Implications for FERC?
In his second week in office, President Trump fired Gwynne Wilcox (a member of the NLRB). The firing was communicated by an email sent from the Deputy Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel…
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Yes, how FERC and its staff respond will be critical here. Definitely an issue to watch closely.
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Miles Farmer @mfarmer.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
But this administration seems determined to push the boundaries of settled Supreme Court precedent on independent agencies (Humphrey's Executor), so the court challenges are very high stakes: www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/u...
nytimes.com
First Test of Trump’s Power to Fire Officials Reaches Supreme Court
The court’s conservative majority may be receptive to the argument that presidents have unlimited power to remove leaders of independent agencies.
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