HILLGA: A developer’s guide to partnering with large loads in SPP
On January 14, 2026, FERC approved HILLGA as part of SPP’s proposed pathways to accelerate large-load connections.
High Impact Large Loads (HILLs) can apply for faster connections through three new models:
- HILL Generation Assessment (HILLGA): Connect alongside supporting generation.
- Conditional HILL Service (CHILLS): Connect with curtailable service until a firm grid connection can be provided.
- Price Adaptive Load (PAL): Connect with price-responsive curtailment - currently under development.
For generation developers, HILLGA presents an opportunity to fast track operations in the RTO.
It allows projects partnered with large loads to interconnect faster and secure contracted revenues for the first five years before transitioning to a full grid connection.
Read on to learn about the process, and how to capitalize on the opportunity.
1. HILLGA sits alongside SPP’s new pathways for connecting load to the grid
High Impact Large Loads (HILLs) are commercial or industrial customers in SPP requesting ≥50 MW of load at a single site, or ≥10 MW at the 69 kV network and below.
Typically, SPP provides firm grid connections if enough generation exists, or is scheduled to come online. Customers then wait for the required network upgrades before connecting.
But in SPP means wait times for HILL customers have been increasingly long.
