Step-by-Step Guide for Utility-Scale Project Owners Preparing a PJM NextGen Application

PJM’s NextGen platform is the primary application tool used by project developers and eligible customers to submit and manage New Service Requests in the PJM interconnection process. It is designed to support generation interconnection, merchant transmission, and long-term firm transmission applications. PJM uses the information submitted in NextGen to evaluate interconnection requests, perform required studies, and determine what system upgrades may be necessary to maintain grid reliability. 

For utility-scale project owners, NextGen is more than an online form. It is the formal record that connects the project entity, site control, technical design, deposit security, electrical modeling data, and final agreement pathway. A well-prepared application can reduce deficiency comments, avoid delays, and help the project enter the study process correctly.

1. Understand the Purpose of NextGen

NextGen is PJM’s planning and application portal for New Service Requests. It allows project owners and developers to:

• Submit new interconnection applications. 
• Manage project portfolios. 
• Upload supporting documents. 
• Track Letters of Credit. 
• Respond to PJM comments. 
• Manage ownership changes. 
• Complete Decision Point elections. 

PJM states that NextGen is intended as a “one-stop shop” for stakeholders and PJM planners involved in the generation interconnection process. 

For a utility-scale project owner, this means the application should be treated as a formal technical, legal, and commercial submission.

Step-by-Step PJM NextGen Application Process

Step 1: Confirm PJM Account Manager Access

Before a project owner can access NextGen, the company must have access through PJM Account Manager.



A company must be registered either as a PJM Member or Non-Member company. PJM notes that users logged in under an “Other” company will not see NextGen roles. 

Required NextGen access roles include:

For project submission, the responsible project owner or authorized representative generally needs NextGen Read/Write access.

Step 2: Complete the Company Profile

The Company Profile must be completed before a New Service Request can be saved or submitted.



PJM states that each company has one shared Company Profile, and updates by one user are reflected for all users associated with that company. 

The Company Profile includes:

1. Company Information 
2. Parent or Holding Company Information 
3. Affiliated Applicants 

This section is very important because the legal entity structure entered here affects who appears as the Project Developer or Eligible Customer in the application.

Step 3: Set Up Project-Specific LLCs as Affiliated Applicants

Many utility-scale projects are developed through project-specific LLCs. PJM’s guide explains that affiliated applicants are often “underlying LLCs” owned or operated by the main company and may be selected as the Project Developer or Eligible Customer in a New Service Request. 



This is critical because PJM also states that the company selected in the application should be the entity that will be listed on the final agreement. 

Required documents for Affiliated Applicants

For each affiliated applicant, the project owner should prepare:

The project-specific legal entity should be added before the application is submitted.

Step 4: Select the Correct Application Type

NextGen supports three primary application types:

1. Generation Interconnection Application 
2. Merchant Transmission Facility Application 
3. Long-Term Firm Application
   
   

For utility-scale solar, wind, battery energy storage, hybrid, and other generation projects, the typical application type is usually Generation Interconnection Application. PJM directs users to Manual 14H for additional details regarding application types. 

Application PJM directs users to Manual 14H for additional details regarding application types.

Step 5: Enter Applicant Information

In the Applicant Information section, the project owner must select the correct Project Developer or Eligible Customer from the dropdown. If the project is owned by a project-specific LLC, that LLC should normally be selected if it will execute the final PJM agreement.

The Applicant Information section also includes:

• Project name 
• Company/entity selection 
• Contact information 
• Authorized signatory information 

The authorized signatory information must be accurate because PJM requires the agreement to be signed by the authorized signatory, not merely an agent. The system verifies that the logged-in user’s email matches the authorized signatory email for electronic signature. 

Step 6: Define the Point of Interconnection

For a Generation Interconnection Application, NextGen requires the applicant to identify the proposed Point of Interconnection or POI.

Typical POI options include:

Step 7: Prepare Site Control and Supporting Documents

The Site Control & Supporting Documents section is one of the most important parts of the application. PJM’s guide explains that each file selector provides descriptions of required documentation, and some descriptions include links for clarification. 

For utility-scale projects, the owner should prepare:

For multiple files, PJM notes that only one file may be uploaded for each section in some cases, so multiple documents should be combined into a ZIP file where needed. 

Step 8: Enter Generating Facility Information

The Generating Facility Information section requires the applicant to identify the nature of the generating project and complete project-specific data fields.

Depending on the technology, this may include:

• Solar PV 
• Wind 
• Battery energy storage 
• Hybrid solar + storage 
• Thermal generation 
• Other generation technologies 

For battery energy storage and inverter-based resources, the owner should ensure that the information is consistent with inverter data, transformer data, project capability, and future dynamic modeling requirements.

Step 9: Complete Project Capability Information

The Project Capability section requires capability data across relevant operating conditions. For utility-

scale generation and storage projects, this typically includes:

• Maximum facility output 
• Seasonal capability 
• Net output at POI 
• Charging capability for storage 
• Energy capacity for storage projects 
• Fuel or resource type 
• Load definition if applicable 
  

For battery energy storage projects, applicants should clearly distinguish between:

Step 10: Enter Generator / Inverter Information

PJM’s guide states that Generator Information should be entered in accordance with the PJM Dynamic Model Development Guidelines. 

For inverter-based resources the project owner should prepare:

• Inverter manufacturer 
• Inverter model 
• Number of units 
• MW rating per inverter 
• Voltage rating 
• Power factor capability 
• Reactive power capability 
• Control modes 
• Ride-through capability 
• Preliminary dynamic model information 

For BESS and solar projects, this section should align with the preliminary electrical design package and equipment datasheets.

Step 11: Enter Transformer Information

NextGen requires transformer information for applicable projects. The guide notes that transformer information should be provided in accordance with PJM Dynamic Model Development Guidelines. 

Typical transformer data includes:

For utility-scale applications, transformer data should match the single-line diagram, preliminary design, and manufacturer datasheets where available.

Step 12: Provide Attachment Line Data if Applicable

If the project interconnects through a line tap or includes a dedicated attachment line, NextGen requires line-related data.

This may include:

• Voltage level 
• Line length 
• Conductor type 
• Impedance 
• Line ownership 
• Remote-end substations 
• Route description 

For projects with a gen-tie line, the applicant should prepare a preliminary route map and electrical line data.

Step 13: Provide Collector System Equivalent Data if Applicable

NextGen includes a Collector System Equivalent section. If the project has collector system equivalent data, the applicant should enter the required information. 

For large solar, wind, and battery projects, the collector system equivalent may include:

• Equivalent resistance 
• Equivalent reactance 
• Equivalent susceptance 
• Collector voltage level 
• Number of feeders 
• Aggregated inverter/generator representation 
• Main transformer interface 

This data becomes important for future power flow and dynamic modeling.

Step 14: Complete Deposits Section

NextGen requires banking and deposit information for Readiness Deposits and Study Deposits. The guide explains that the applicant must enter banking information and select the Readiness Deposit method. 

Deposit methods may include:

• Wire transfer 
• Letter of Credit

If Letters of Credit are used, they must be uploaded and managed through the Letters of Credit section of NextGen. PJM reviews uploaded Letters of Credit and may mark them as Not Started, In Progress, Changes Required, Draft Approved, Signed Approved, Approval Pending, Return Pending, or Returned. 

Step 15: Review, Validate, Sign, and Submit

Before submission, every section must be saved and validated. PJM’s guide states that all in-progress pages must be saved and validated before the application can be submitted. 

On the Review page, the applicant may:

• Sign electronically through NextGen. 
• Download the agreement for external signature. 
• Upload the signed agreement. 
• Submit the application. 

The application is not complete until it is formally submitted.

Recommended Drawing and Document Package for Utility-Scale Projects

Although some items are entered into forms rather than uploaded as separate drawings, project owners should generally prepare the following package before starting the NextGen application.

A. Administrative Documents

B. Legal / Site Control Documents

C. Technical Drawings

E. Financial / Deposit Documents

Common Mistakes That Delay NextGen Applications

1. Wrong Legal Entity Selected

The project entity selected in the application should match the entity expected to execute the final agreement. Selecting the parent company when the project LLC should be the contracting entity can create delays.

2. Affiliated Applicant Not Set Up

If a project-specific LLC is not added as an Affiliated Applicant, it may not appear in the application dropdown.

3. Incomplete Company Profile

The Company Profile must be completed before a New Service Request can be completed.

4. Poor Site Plan Quality

Site plans should clearly show project boundary, POI, equipment layout, and interconnection facilities.

5. Missing Site Control Coverage

Site control should cover not only the generation or storage facility, but also interconnection facilities and line routes where applicable.

6. Inconsistent Technical Data

MW, MWh, transformer rating, inverter count, POI voltage, and single-line diagram must align.

7. Authorized Signatory Email Mismatch

For electronic signature, the logged-in user email must match the authorized signatory email.

8. Sections Saved as Draft but Not Validated

Saving a draft is not the same as validating. Each section must be saved and validated before final submission.

Role of an Electrical Engineering Consultant in NextGen Applications

A qualified electrical engineering consultant can help project owners prepare a complete and consistent application package.

Typical support includes:

• Preliminary single-line diagram 
• BESS, solar, wind, or hybrid electrical layout 
• POI evaluation 
• Transformer data review 
• Inverter/generator data review 
• Collector system equivalent preparation 
• PJM application technical support 
• Dynamic model coordination 
• PSSE modeling 
• PSCAD/EMT model coordination 
• NERC and IEEE 2800 technical compliance support 
• Review of technical consistency before submission

 

For utility-scale projects, engineering support is especially valuable because the information submitted in NextGen becomes the basis for future interconnection studies.

25 Detailed FAQs for Utility-Scale PJM NextGen Applications

Final Practical Checklist for Project Owners

Before submitting a PJM NextGen application, project owners should confirm:

• PJM Account Manager access is active
  
• NextGen Read/Write role is approved
  
• Company Profile is complete
  
• Project LLC is added as Affiliated Applicant
  
• W-9 documents are uploaded
  
• Binding relationship documents are uploaded
  
• Correct application type is selected
  
• Correct legal entity is selected as applicant/developer
  
• POI information is complete
  
• Site control documents are uploaded
  
• Site plan and layout are clear
  
• Technical data matches engineering drawings
  
• Transformer and inverter data are consistent
  
• Deposits or Letter of Credit information is complete
  
• All sections are saved and validated
  
• Authorized signatory email matches the signer
  
• Application is formally submitted before the deadline