Interconnection

Standardized interconnection rules provide clear and uniform processes and technical requirements for safely connecting CHP to the electric utility grid.

A streamlined process reduces uncertainty, prevents delays, and ensures that the requirements are appropriate for the size, scope, and technology of the system. Standardized rules also assure that the project interconnection meets the safety and reliability needs of both the energy end-user and the utility.

While most states have adopted standardized interconnection rules over the past decade, a few states have yet to enact standards. Others are in need of updating to match current best practices.

The most effective interconnection rules are those that have:

• Procedures and technical requirements based on model standards such as those from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), or the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).
• Standard interconnection forms
• A timeline for application approval
• Simplified procedure for smaller systems (25 kW or less)
• Limited additional insurance requirements, if any
• Technical requirements based on IEEE 1547 (Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems)

Note that interconnection standards based on net-metered systems are insufficient for recycled energy, because net metering rules are usually limited to only very small systems.

Southwest Region Status: Colorado, New Mexico, and now Utah have statewide interconnection standards. Arizona and Wyoming are two of 13 states across the nation that do not yet have streamlined, statewide interconnection standards.

Further Resources:

• Interconnection Fact Sheet (EPA CHP Partnership, PDF, 4 pgs)
• Connecting to the Grid: A Guide to Distributed Generation Interconnection Issues (IREC, PDF, 51 pgs)
• Look up interconnection standards in each intermountain state with our customized Incentives and Policies Search Tool
• Freeing The Grid Report, 2011 edition (Network for New Energy Choices, PDF, 98 pgs)
• Survey of Interconnection Rules (Regulatory Assistance Project, PDF, 70 pgs)