Earthjustice and SEIA challenge MISO’s ancillary services restriction

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Allowing renewable energy sources to provide ancillary services could help lower the overall system costs. Image: National Grid.

Non-profit environmental law organisation Earthjustice has filed a complaint with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) challenging a rule that prevents renewables from providing ancillary services in MISO territory.

On behalf of US trade association the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Earthjustice has challenged the US Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) about its explicit prohibition of solar, wind and battery hybrid resources from providing ancillary services.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

MISO, which manages the transmission of high-voltage electricity across 15 US states in the Midwest and South and the Canadian province of Manitoba, is the only FERC jurisdictional grid operator to implement such a prohibition which dates back to 2011. The prohibition was meant to be temporary but was never reconsidered again, according to SEIA.

As ancillary services are critical components that ensure the stability and reliability of the electric grid, allowing renewable energy sources to provide ancillary services could help lower the overall system costs.

This would in itself make the grid more reliable and resilient to extreme weather and climate disasters, which in the past years have pushed homeowners in Texas to increase their energy independence with rooftop solar and battery storage.

“Regional transmission authorities should not restrict the services that renewables can provide,” said Aaron Stemplewicz, Earthjustice attorney, adding: “FERC must order MISO to reform the current tariff provisions and business practices manual to allow wind and solar resources to participate fully and equitably in MISO’s wholesale market.”

Moreover, MISO plans to file a request with FERC to remove ramp capability – which gives a power system the ability to quickly increase or decrease its output – eligibility for renewable resources as well.

“Earthjustice will also challenge any attempts to strip wind, solar and battery hybrid resources from providing ramp capability. Any backsliding will be rigorously challenged with regard to the eligibility of renewable resources to provide all the services they are capable of providing,” added Stemplewicz.

PV Tech has contacted MISO for comment and will update this article when a response is received.

Read Next

September 9, 2025
The US installed 17.92GW of new capacity in the first half of 2025, with quarterly declines in additions for utility-scale and residential solar.
August 19, 2025
Independent power producer Geronimo Power has started construction on a 125MW solar PV plant in the Midwest US state of Michigan.
August 18, 2025
US solar industry representatives have voiced concern at the US Treasury Department’s new “start of construction” rules for large projects.
July 4, 2025
The US House of Representatives has passed the final version of the reconciliation bill that is now going to US President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature before its passing.
June 30, 2025
Voting on the US tax reconciliation bill is expected to begin in the Senate today, following a draft published on Friday that hit clean energy tax credits hard.
June 9, 2025
Growing political headwinds threaten to dent US solar manufacturing and project deployment, despite a strong start to 2025.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines