Massachusetts DG Collaborative

Technical Working Group:

Network Interconnection Resources

IEEE 1547.6 Recommended Practice for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems Distribution Networks

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Network Interconnection in Other States [list under development - please suggest additional materials ]

The above link includes resources from other states.  Other materials from these states may be posted at the Tariff Working Group page.  If you would like to suggest additional items or links, please contact Fran Cummings.

Other websites that track the changing interconnection standards in the United States include:

 

Summary of Key Differences (Draft in Process, may be dated)

CALIFORNIA – Rule 21 (December 2000)

RULE 21

I.3 Review Process Details:

“Screen 1: Is the PCC on a Networked Secondary System?

 

  • If Yes, the Generating Facility does not qualify for Simplified Interconnection.  Perform Supplemental Review.
  • If No, continue to next screen.”

 

Rule 21 Supplemental Review Guidelines (January 2005)

“6.1. Screen 1 - Networked Secondary

Guidance for this section is under consideration for a future revision of this document.” (pg 9)

 

MASSACHUSETTS – D.T.E. 02-38-B, Attachment A (February 2004)

Uniform Standards for Interconnecting Distributed Generation - Model Tariff

Figure 2 - Simplified Interconnection to Networks (pg 14)

Screen 1.  Is the Point of Common Coupling on a spot network?

 

  • If Yes, go to Screen 2
  • If No, go to Standard Process

 

Screen 2.  Does the Facility use a Qualified Inverter (UL 1741) with a Power Rating 10 KW or less?

 

  • If Yes, go to Screen 3
  • If No, go to Standard Process

 

Screen 3.  Is the aggregate generating Facility capacity less than 1/15 of Customer’s minimum load?

 

  • If Yes, go to System Modifications check and then Simplified Interconnection
  • If No, go to Standard Process

 

Navigant Comment:  Generally, network interconnection will not be permitted unless a project passes these screens.


NEW JERSEY – N.J.A.C. 14:4-9 (September 2004)

Net Metering and Interconnection Standards for Class I Renewable Energy Systems

14:4-9.8 Level 2 interconnection review (pg 11-14):

“(l) If a customer-generator facility’s proposed point of common coupling is on a spot or area network, the interconnection shall meet the following requirements, in addition to the requirements in (c) through (k) above:

  • For a customer-generator facility that will be connected to a spot network circuit, the aggregate generation capacity connected to that spot network from customer-generator facilities, including the customer-generator facility, shall not exceed 5% of the spot network’s maximum load;
  • For a customer-generator facility that utilizes inverter based protective functions, which will be connected to an area network, the customer-generator facility, combined with other exporting customer-generator facilities on the load side of network protective devices, shall not exceed 10% of the minimum annual load on the network, or 500 kW, whichever is less. For the purposes of this paragraph, the percent of minimum load for solar electric generation customer-generator facility shall be calculated based on the minimum load occurring during an offpeak daylight period;
  • For a customer-generator facility that will be connected to a spot or an area network that does not utilize inverter based protective functions, or for an inverter based customer-generator facility that does not meet the requirements of 1 or 2 above, the customer-generator facility shall utilize reverse power relays or other protection devices that ensure no export of power from the customer-generator facility, including inadvertent export (under fault conditions) that could adversely affect protective devices on the network.” (pg 12)

 

NEW YORK – Standardized Interconnection Requirements (November 2004)

Order Modifying Standardized Interconnection Requirements:

“Staff determined that, given the experience utilities (in particular Con Edison) have gained with interconnecting distributed generation on network distribution systems, it is now appropriate to include these systems in the SIR. After careful consideration of the issues and possible ramifications surrounding this proposal, Staff is convinced that, given the stipulations in the SIR, this exclusion can be eliminated.” (pg 11)

Standardized Interconnection Requirements and Application Process for New Distributed Generators 2 MW or Less Connected in Parallel with Utility Distribution Systems:

Navigant Comment:  The SIR does not exclude interconnection of inverter and induction generators 2 MW or less to any distribution system.

“Synchronous generators shall not be permitted to connect to secondary network systems without the approval of the utility.” (pg 9)