From risk to readiness: How to plan around interconnection uncertainty

What used to be a backend formality—interconnection—has become one of the biggest strategic hurdles. These days, if you can’t secure reliable grid access early, you’re likely facing project delays, reduced flexibility down the line, and plenty of uncertainty around costs.

That’s where we come in. GE Vernova’s Consulting Services team works with developers, operators, and utilities to help navigate this evolving landscape. It’s not just about checking boxes—it’s about building smart, flexible plans from the start. 

Why interconnection needs to come first

The grid is being pushed to its limits. Between volatile load profiles, regional congestion, and new energy procurement models, interconnection now plays a central role in site selection, cost planning, and risk management. 

Unlike typical generation projects, most grid infrastructure and processes today aren’t really built for large, dynamic loads—especially not the kind data centers require. That makes it tough for developers and operators to get a clear path forward. 

Reframing interconnection: A manageable risk with flexible solutions 

Interconnection challenges are often seen as major hurdles, but they don’t have to stall progress. In reality, interconnection is a risk to manage, not a roadblock. Developers and operators are increasingly turning to flexible solutions—like hybrid energy systems, fast-start generation, and grid-forming technologies—to navigate delays, reduce uncertainty, and stay on track with power goals. 

Whether as a temporary bridge or a long-term asset, these strategies can be tailored—or combined—to unlock progress while full grid access is secured.  In any case, it’s critical to select the best system architecture to solve the various stability and operability challenges to deploy AI data centers at the speed and scale needed. 

Here are a few common approaches we talk through with clients: 

• Islanded: No grid connection at all. Everything is powered onsite, often temporarily, during interconnection delays.

• Behind-the-meter: Onsite generation or storage that works within the facility to help supplement limited grid access.

• Front-of-the-meter: Fully connected to the grid but supported by assets like batteries or flexible thermal units to boost performance and reliability. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Our job is to help you figure out what makes the most sense given your location, timeline, and energy needs—especially in areas where interconnection queues are long and uncertain.  For any architecture, it’s clear that an energy systems approach combining generation, storage, controls is needed to manage rapid AI load cycling, impact of torsional stress on turbine-generator equipment, and maintain high levels of availability and reliability under all conditions. 

Modeling for confidence: Load flow and contingency analysis

We rely on advanced load flow and contingency modeling to help you: 

• Pinpoint the best interconnection options

• Simulate your load against local grid conditions

• Identify when an interim hybrid solution might help avoid costly delays

• Identify and mitigate stability risks and negative grid impacts

This kind of analysis isn’t just useful for internal planning—it also helps strengthen proposals with utilities and System Operators, which can reduce risks like queue rejections or costly last-minute redesigns.

Planning for interconnection delays 

Interconnection planning starts way before your project hits the queue. We work with you early to: 

• Define your load characteristics and acceptable risk

• Engage utilities on available capacity

• Map out a clear path to grid access, including any necessary interim steps

• Selecting best power supply and data center architecture for each application 

Even if you don’t ultimately go hybrid, we factor that possibility into your infrastructure, permitting, and procurement plans—so everything stays aligned as your project evolves.

Looking ahead

With FERC Orders 2023, 901, and 1920 reshaping how both load and generation are treated in the interconnection process, staying flexible has never been more important. Whether it’s a phased connection strategy or a temporary islanded setup, planning for optionality can make all the difference in keeping hyperscale projects on track.

At GE Vernova, we combine deep technical expertise with hands-on experience and regulatory insight to help you reduce risk, accelerate timelines, and make confident, future-ready decisions.

Whether you’re siting your next campus or dealing with a tricky interconnection bottleneck, let’s talk about how to get your project powered and moving forward.