daily · Grid & Transmission

FERC approves ISO New England review process for 'asset condition' transmission projects

FERC approved ISO New England's process for reviewing utility-planned asset condition transmission projects, a class of local refurbishment work that has faced little regulatory oversight, with formal advisory reviews starting in January.

By Greener Numbers Editorial Team · Published October 20, 2026 · Updated 10/20/2026

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on October 16, 2026 approved ISO New England's process for reviewing utility-planned 'asset condition' transmission projects, Utility Dive reported on October 19.

Asset condition projects are utility-planned refurbishments or replacements of aging transmission equipment. Unlike larger regional projects, they have generally proceeded with little regulatory oversight, drawing criticism from state officials and consumer advocates in New England and beyond.

ISO New England has already acted as an interim reviewer for some projects this year and plans to take on the formal advisory role in January. Under the approved process, the grid operator will review asset condition projects and report conclusions on each project's need, cost-effectiveness, and potential alternatives.

FERC Commissioners David Rosner and Judy Chang, in separate concurring statements, urged other grid operators to adopt similar review processes. 'In the context of growing demand and an aging electric grid, building trust and confidence in the need for infrastructure will only serve to expedite permitting and improve the likelihood that projects are ultimately constructed,' Rosner said.

The issue extends beyond New England: Ohio's ratepayer advocate told FERC in August that since its complaint over so-called local transmission projects was filed, Ohio utilities have planned more than $4.3 billion in such projects with inadequate oversight.

Official source: Utility Dive ↗