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Alabama | California | Delaware | Alaska | Colorado | Arizona | Connecticut | Arkansas | Florida | Idaho | Iowa | Louisiana | Georgia | Illinois | Kansas | Hawaii | Indiana | Kentucky | Maine | Michigan | Missouri | Maryland | Minnesota | Montana | Massachusetts | Mississippi | Nebraska | New Jersey | North Carolina | Oklahoma | Nevada | New Mexico | North Dakota | Oregon | New Hampshire | New York | Ohio | Pennsylvania | South Dakota | Utah | Washington | Wyoming | Rhode Island | Tennessee Vermont | West Virginia | South Carolina | Texas | Virginia | Wisconsin
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Alabama Public Service Commission
Since 2001, the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB), an interstate compact of 16 southern states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia) and two territories (Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), has endorsed the Texas rules on distributed generation as model rules on the subject. The Board has issued Energy Policy in the South, which is a bipartisan, consensus document based on five principles that support a balanced approach in conveying the issues important to the southern states. The policy options are an integrated set of actions based on maintaining a stable energy market by addressing supply needs, increasing conservation, improving efficiency, and expanding the infrastructure. The policy options provide recommendations that the federal government and individual southern states will need to prioritize based on their unique conditions and requirements. The regional approach provides a framework to communicate southern energy priorities to Congress, the administration, and the American people.
Regulatory Commission of Alaska
There does not appear to be any current regulatory activity in this area. CH2M HILL prepared a report, Study of Electric Utility Restructuring in Alaska (PDF 1.8 MB), (PDF 761 KB), to the PUC in June 1999. It recommended the adoption of pilot programs to build practical experience in the use and deployment of distributed energy resources and encouraged the PUC to exploit Alaska's small electricity systems to lead the industry trend toward modular, distributed energy systems. CH2M Hill's March 1999 report, Recommendations to the Alaska State Legislature and the Alaska Public Utilities Commission Regarding a Retail Pilot Program (PDF 62 KB), also recommended the creation of a pilot program in coordination with government and nongovernment organizations to build practical experience in the use and deployment of distributed energy systems that can offer long-term savings. A technology-based competitive pilot program was specifically recommended for rural areas in the state.
Arizona Corporation Commission
In July of 1999, the Arizona Corporation Commission initiated a general investigation of distributed generation and interconnections for potential retail electric competition rules consideration under Docket No. E-00000A-99-0431.
The final report was issued June 28, 2000, and documented the results of that investigation. The final report included the identification of key stakeholder issues and recommendations for developing standards, policies, and tariffs for distributed generation through the rulemaking process. These included the following rulemaking recommendations:
- Design fair and reasonable tariffs considering proper recovery of utility costs, backup power or partial-requirements tariffs, and PURPA qualifying facilities tariffs while providing consistent treatment of DG relative to other consumer services. The advisory committee recommended a workshop be held on these issues concurrent with rulemaking.
- Consider the benefits and costs of distributed generation to the utility distribution grid.
- Address operational issues, such as the scheduling and accounting of distributed energy transactions, the control of distributed generation by a control area operator, and operational protocols for system disturbances. The advisory committee believes that workshops may be needed following ACC rulemaking efforts to address issues that arise during the implementation of distributed generation.
- Address certain technical issues and processes necessary to interconnect distributed generation to the grid.
- Define distributed generation and related terminology consistent with ACC electric competition rules and FERC.
- Define planning processes needed for distributed generation operating in parallel with the distribution grid, and consider the appropriateness of public access to distribution system operational information.
- Address distributed generation applications on network distribution systems. Because of the complex and technical nature of this issue, the advisory committee recommended that a workshop be held on this topic.
- Establish a periodic review process for monitoring the progress of implementing the policies and standards necessary for distributed generation.
- Consider how to extend DGI rules to electric utilities not subject to ACC jurisdiction.
More recently, in Decision No. 63364 dated Feb. 8, 2001, Arizona implemented an Environmental Portfolio Standard whereby any load-serving entity that sells electricity or aggregates customers for the purpose of selling electricity must derive at least 0.2% of the total retail energy sold from new solar resources or environmentally friendly renewable electric technologies. Electric service providers that are not utility distribution companies are exempt from this provision until 2004 but may comply voluntarily prior to this time. Load-serving entities are eligible for a number of extra credit multipliers that may be used to meet the portfolio standard requirements. One of these multipliers is a distributed solar electric generation and solar incentive program multiplier (0.5 extra credit). Eligible distributed solar electric generators will include both grid-connected and remote, nongrid-connected applications. For load-serving entities to claim an extra credit multiplier, they must have contributed at least 10% of the total installed cost or have financed at least 80% of the total installed cost. An explanatory statement attached to Decision No. 63364 notes that distributed generation and interconnection rules have been proposed as an area for future action. For additional information, see Distributed Generation and Interconnection Rules, Decision No. 63364 (PDF 4.2 MB) As of July 2002, each utility had adopted special contracts for the interconnection of distributed generation. Until the commission adopts formal rules, the utilities have been instructed to use these special contracts for distributed generation. More information, including reports from the Distributed Generation & Interconnection Working Group, is available on the Arizona Corporation Commission Web site.
Arkansas Public Service Commission
Section 3 (Interconnection of Net Metering Facilities to Existing Electric Power Systems) of the Arkansas Public Service Commission's net metering rules addresses interconnection requirements. These rules, passed in 2002, apply to the interconnection and net metering of renewable resource generating facilities less than 100 kW. For details, see the Arkansas Public Service Commission's Net Metering Rules document (PDF 738 KB).
California Energy Commission
California was one of the first states to adopt interconnection standards and rules for distributed generation. In 1999, it issued order 99-10-025 to institute new rulemaking for the interconnection of distributed energy resources. On Dec. 21, 2000, the Rule 21 interconnection standard was adopted the California Energy Commission. Since then, each of the major regulated electric utilities has adopted its model tariff, interconnection application form, and interconnection agreement.
For specific interconnection requirements, see:
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Rule 21 — Generating Facility Interconnections (PDF 2.6 MB)
- San Diego Gas and Electric Company
Rule 21 — Interconnection Standards for Non-Utility Owned Generation (PDF 317 KB)
- Southern California Edison
Rule 21 — Generating Facility Interconnections (PDF 828 KB)
The California Public Utilities Commission instituted a new distributed generation proceeding March 16, 2004, with the filing of 04-03-017, Order Instituting Rulemaking Regarding Policies, Procedures, and Incentives for Distributed Generation and Distributed Energy Resources (PDF 130 KB). Rulemaking 04-03-017 will continue the commission's consideration of rules and policies affecting distributed generation.
In January 2005, the California Energy Commission announced it would consider changes to Rule 21. These changes, included in "Recommended Changes to Interconnection Rules" (PDF 278 KB) as submitted by the Integrated Energy Policy Report Committee, will be considered by the California Energy Commission Feb. 2, 2005, meeting before being passed on to the California Public Utilities Commission.
For more information about distributed generation interconnection in California, see the California Energy Commission's Distributed Energy Resource Guide.
Colorado Public Utilities Commission
The Colorado Electricity Advisory Panel issued an evaluation study report in November 1999 that recommended that utilities should be encouraged to integrate distributed energy resources into their systems. Some panel members supported requiring distribution utilities to offer "open access common carrier services" for customer-owned distributed generation resources, but this was not incorporated as a report recommendation.
Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control
On April 21, 2004, the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control adopted small generator interconnection protocols. The decision (PDF 180 KB) closed almost a year of work on Docket 03-01-15, DPUC Investigation into the Need for Interconnection Standards for Distributed Generation. The development process began in May 2003, when the department requested comments on issues related to the interconnection of small generators. The first proposed protocols were developed by The United Illuminating Company and The Connecticut Light and Power Company, both of which had pre-existing guidelines for the interconnection of small generators. The department then held hearings in September and October 2003. At the October hearing, participants decided to hold meetings to discuss the issues in the proceeding as they involved the utilities' existing small generator interconnection guidelines. The participants also identified ways the guidelines could be modified to accommodate the interests of entities seeking to interconnect small generators to electric distribution systems. The participants agreed to provide the department with a report on the discussions by Dec. 22, 2003. On Jan. 9, 2004, the utilities submitted a report, which indicated that the discussions between them and other participants had been held and that the companies had made changes to the guidelines to address concerns. However, several participants submitted written comments indicating concerns with the guidelines as revised. On Jan. 16, 2004, the utilities submitted their responses to these comments. Again, however, certain issues remained unresolved. The department then held a technical meeting on Feb. 24, 2004, to discuss exceptions to the interconnection guidelines. A draft decision was issued March 29, 2004.
Delaware Public Service Commission
In July 2000, the Delaware Public Service Commission approved a revision to Delmarva Power and Light's (DP&L, now Conectiv) tariff that enables all forms of relatively small, customer-owned generation to be interconnected with the DP&L network provided that the generator can meet the utility's technical standards. The commission noted that distributed generation was consistent with the policy of deregulation of supply mandated by Delaware's Electric Restructuring Act of 1999 and may provide diversity in generation resources, increase the reliability and the efficiency of the grid and delivery network, alleviate constraints related to load pockets and market dominance, and provide customers with greater choices of supply. Specific interconnection information can be found on the Customer-Owned Generation page of the state Web site.
Florida Public Service Commission
On Oct. 2, 2001, the Florida Public Service Commission voted to adopt Rule 25-6.065 of the Florida Administrative Code. This establishes standards for the interconnection of small photovoltaic systems on the electric grid and requires the investor-owned electric utilities to file a standard interconnection agreement with the commission.
For additional information, see Docket 010982.
Georgia Public Service Commission
Georgia interconnection requirements apply to small, net-metered renewable energy systems. The Official Code of Georgia 46-3-56 requires that distributed generation owners provide the necessary equipment to meet requirements established by the National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Safety Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and Underwriters Laboratories.
Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
In June 2003, Hawaii increased the capacity limit for net-metered systems to 50 kW. Net metering is available for solar, wind, biomass, or hydroelectric systems. Hawaii's original net metering legislations was adopted in June 2001.
In October 2003, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission instituted Order 20582 (PDF 656 KB), which opened an investigation in distributed generation in Hawaii with the objective of developing policies and a framework covering these technologies.
Previously, Hawaii electric utilities adopted interconnection standards, interconnection procedures, and a standard interconnection agreement by modifying their respective Rule 14 tariffs to include a new paragraph, "Interconnection of Distributed Generating Facilities Operating in Parallel With the Company's Electric System." See Order 19773 (PDF 2.3 MB) for more information.
For more information, see the library of Docket 03-0371 documents.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has not established statewide interconnection standards for distributed generation. The state's major electric utilities, however, have established individual interconnection guidelines under net metering and other provisions.
Illinois Commerce Commission
In October 1999, the Illinois Commerce Commission's Electric Policy Committee examined the question of the deployment of distributed energy resources and requested comments on distributed resources and their effect (or potential effect) on the Illinois electric market. The ICC Energy Division staff response to this request was issued in January 2000 (PDF 84 KB). A report and review of the comments received by the committee was issued in March 2000 (PDF 75 KB). The Illinois Commerce Commission is now in the process of crafting a distributed generation interconnection rule. For the latest draft and development details, see the commission's Distributed Generation Interconnection Web page.
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission held a workshop on "Alternatives to Traditional Generation Resources" in the summer of 2000 as part of its docket "into any and all matters affecting the adequacy and reliability of electric service to Indiana retail customers" (Cause No. 41736). Among the specific questions posed by the commission were:
- What role is there for distributed generation?
- Are Indiana utilities exploring the efficient and economic usefulness of distributed generation?
- Are there barriers to utilities using distributed generation?
In 2002, the commission began the process of putting together the first draft of a rule for small and mid-size distributed generation units up to 1 MW. For additional information, see the Distributed Resources Workgroup Web site.
Iowa Utilities Board
In an August 2000 report, "Facts Concerning the Consumption and Production of Electric Power in Iowa," an Iowa energy task force included a discussion of distributed generation as a likely part of the state's transmission and distribution future. The report briefly documents some of the benefits and areas of concern regarding distributed generation and gives one example of a utility's use of distributed generation to help meet summer peak load. Appendix D of the report provides a list of Iowa utility generators and includes several distributed generation wind projects. In 2002, Iowa utilities were required to offer parallel operation interconnection for PURPA-qualifying facilities and qualifying alternate energy production facilities. Each utility is required to file with the utilities board a proposed schedule of AEP contract provisions offered. No requirements have been levied or are under consideration. For additional information, see the Cogeneration and Small Power Production chapter (PDF 33 KB) of the Iowa Administrative Code. In 2004, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources produced a report on the status of interconnection in the state and organized a series of workshops for utilities and potential renewable energy project owners. The department is now developing an interconnection packet that will cover requirements for interconnection, technical issues, and resources for assistance.
Kansas Corporation Commission
Section 32 of HB 2018 (PDF 117 KB) required the Kansas Corporation Commission to establish standard provisions for the interconnection of renewable generators. HB 2018 became effective on July 1, 2003. The KCC Energy Office hosted a Kansas Interconnection Implementation Workshop on Oct. 1, 2003. For more information, see the Kansas Interconnection Implementation Workshop Web page. In 2004, the commission progressed with its development of state interconnection standards by approving the proposed tariffs of six electric utilities.
Kentucky Public Service Commission
No standard interconnection requirements exist in Kentucky. Its utilities have produced individual but similar interconnection agreements for a limited number of small, renewable, net-metered systems. Some have also produced interconnection guidelines for other forms of generation. To learn more about interconnection requirements in your area, contact your local utility.
Louisiana Public Service Commission
The Louisiana Public Service Commission is currently in the process of developing net metering standards for residential units less than 25 kW and commercial units less than 100 kW. Its most recent draft includes specifications for the interconnection of distributed resources and a standard interconnection agreement for net metering facilities.
Louisiana's draft rules are based on the net energy metering rules of Arkansas.
Maine Public Utilities Commission
A 2000 legislative directive prompted the Maine Public Utilities Commission to begin its investigations into distributed generation. The directive required the commission to produce a report by Oct. 1, 2001 that examined "the issues related to existence and likely spread of the availability and use of local electric generation." The commission produced interim (PDF 110 KB) and technology assessment reports in February 2001 and released its final report (PDF 1.4 MB) in October of that year. In late 2003, the commission issued a supplemental report (PDF 123 KB) to address the distributed generation issue. This report noted that few interconnection issues had been encountered in Maine and that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was addressing small generator interconnects. The report recommended that no legislative action be taken.
Maryland Energy Administration
Maryland does not currently have formal interconnection requirements for general distributed generation installations. However, it does have a net metering program for qualifying solar installations up to 80 kW.
See the administration's Net-Metering Web page for more information.
Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy
In June 2002, the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy opened its investigation into distributed generation (PDF 23 KB) The order indicated the investigation was to focus on the development of interconnection standards, the calculation of standby rates, and the role of distributed generation in distribution company resource planning.
In October, the department established the Distributed Generation Collaborative (PDF 46 KB) for the formulation of interconnection standards, policies, and procedures. The collaborative, in turn, submitted a final report (PDF 1.4 MB) in March 2003 and a model interconnection tariff (PDF 501 KB) in May. In February 2004, the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy approved the model (PDF 247 KB). This order also ordered the continuation of the Distributed Generation Collaborative for two years to evaluate the performance of the standards. The collaborative was also asked to address network interconnection, distribution planning, meter ownership, and other issues related to the standards. The collaborative reconvened in the summer of 2004 and will submit its first annual report to the department in May 2005.
Michigan Public Service Commission
In July 2003, the Michigan Public Service Commission issued an order adopting revised administrative rules governing electric interconnection standards. On March 26, the commission issued an order seeking comment on proposed rules implementing Section 10e(3) of the Customer Choice and Electric Reliability Act. That act requires the MPSC to establish standards for the interconnection of merchant plants with the transmission and distribution systems of electric utilities. The commission received comments from two individuals, and a group of electric utilities and organizations representing electric utility interests jointly submitted a single set of comments. Based on some of those comments, the commission revised its proposed rules governing electric interconnection standards. Rules cover definitions, electric utility interconnection procedures, technical criteria, project applications, project filing fees, interconnection deadlines, additional services provided by electric utilities, pre-certified equipment, and waivers. The adopted revised rules were submitted to the Legislative Service Bureau, the Office of Regulatory Reform, and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and took effect in September 2003. In May 2004, the commission also issued an order directing the establishment of a net metering program.
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
In August 2001, the Minnesota legislature established Statute 216B.1611, which instructed the PUC to initiate a proceeding to establish standards for utility tariffs for the interconnection of distributed generation systems. The PUC then issued an order-initiating docket to solicit comments and proposed standards. However, the commission found that the solicited comments were not sufficient to establish standards. In June 2002, the Minnesota PUC therefore issued an Order Organizing Work Groups and Setting Procedural Schedule (PDF 44 KB), which established two work groups to address issues of distributed generation. These groups (one addressing technical issues and one addressing rates) were led by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. In February 2003, the Minnesota Public Utility Commission received the work groups' final recommendations for interconnection and rate guidelines for distributed generation. Working groups submitted their final report Feb. 3 (PDF 1.6 MB).
Mississippi Public Service Commission
The Southern States Energy Board has been working with the Mississippi Development Authority - Energy Division and the U.S. Department of Energy to better understand the opportunities that exist for distributed generation technologies in the South. A workshop was held in Biloxi, Mississippi, May 6-7, 2003, that brought together energy and environment professionals from across the southern region to develop a roadmap for distributed energy resources. The emphasis was on barriers to DER use and formulating avenues to move beyond the barriers.
Five objectives of DER were outlined: reduced pull on overloaded transmission and distribution; reduced demand signal on supply; high efficiency equals lower fuel consumption; change out of date less efficient systems; and private sector investments versus public rate base. Critical issues also were addressed which included rewarding utilities for efficient operation of the grid by the use of distributed resources and energy efficiency and streamlining interconnection procedures critical for smaller systems.
Missouri Public Service Commission
In 2002, Missouri established modified net metering to serve fuel cells and solar, wind, and biomass generators of less than 100 kW. However, Missouri's measure provides for reimbursement at the avoided cost rate rather than the retail reate. An initiative is currently under way to amend the law to conform more closely to traditional net metering programs.
Montana Public Service Commission
Although Montana does not have regulations specific to the interconnection of all distributed generation, it does have a general net metering provision. Net metering is available on the North Western Energy and Montana-Dakota utility systems. Renewable installations less than 50 kW are eligible on North Western Energy's lines.
Nebraska Energy Office
No information is available for Nebraska.
Nevada State Office of Energy
In December 2003, the Nevada Public Utilities Commission adopted rules that provided for a net metering program for Sierra Pacific Power and Nevada Power customers. In Nevada, net metering provisions apply to on-site renewable energy installations of less than 30 kW.
New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission
In January 2001, New Hampshire issued rules establishing reasonable interconnection requirements for safety, reliability, and power quality for net metering of customer-owned renewable energy generation resources of 25 kW or less. In addition to prescribing technical interconnection requirements, the rules also address the interconnection application process, the utility review process, and insurance requirements.
For additional information, see the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Chapter: PUC 900 (PDF 71 KB) The New Hampshire legislature has provided for the ability of distribution companies to own distributed generation as an alternative to reinforcing distribution systems. The PUC's settlement agreement with Public Service of New Hampshire states that nothing in the agreement shall prohibit the PUC from taking action in the future to delink the earnings of transmission and distribution utilities from their sales through a "revenue per customer" cap and design rates in a manner that facilitates the use of distributed generation technology. For additional information, see Public Utilities Commission DE 99-099, PSNH Proposed Restructuring Settlement, Order No. 23, 443 (PDF 598 KB)
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
New Jersey does not currently have formal interconnection standards for general distributed energy systems. However, it does have net-metering rules. These rules apply to wind and solar installations of up to 100 kW.
New Jersey is now in the process of amending these standards. The proposed changes (PDF 115 KB) would increase the maximum generator capacity to 2 MW and expand net metering to all Class 1 renewable energy installations. The changes would also revise the interconnection requirements.
New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
In New Mexico, net metering and interconnection of distributed generation is regulated by Rule 570 (for qualifying facilities) and Rule 571 (for small renewable generation).
Rule 571 applies to renewable energy installations less than 10 kW and only to the state's four investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives. Municipal utilities are excluded and self-regulated.
New York State Public Service Commission
In December 1999, the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) issued a final order (PDF 172 KB) addressing interconnection of distributed generation resources of 300 kVA or less and operating in parallel with the utility distribution system. The order addresses general technical guidelines for interconnection and application procedures, although it leaves many details to the discretion of utilities. Some features of the standard are a simplified application process for interconnecting distributed generators operating at voltages of 15 kVA or less and a pre-approval process for systems once a similar system is approved for given conditions or configurations. Appendix B of the order revised photovoltaic interconnection standards for residential systems of 10 kW or less. The NYPSC issued revised standardized interconnection requirements (PDF 74 KB) for new DG resources of 300 kVA or less in November 2000. A list of type-tested and approved interconnection equipment (PDF 74 KB) was also made available.
An additional docket (Case 00-E-0005) was established by the NYPSC in January 2000 to examine the costs, benefits, and rates regarding distributed generation. Issues considered in the docket include the rates, terms, and conditions for providing standby electric service to customers installing DG units. In 2002, the NYPSC issued an order that modified the state's interconnection requirements. The changes will streamline the process and provide a more ordered progression for the study and review phases of the procedure. As a result of the order, the design review phase was eliminated, and the overall processing time was reduced by 10-20 business days. In November 2004, the NYPSC once again modified the state's standardized interconnection requirements. The decision expanded existing interconnection standards to include onsite power generators up to 2 MW and interconnection with network systems.
North Carolina Utilities Commission
The North Carolina Utilities Commission opened a generic proceeding, Docket E-100 Sub 101, in June 2004 to investigate interconnection in the state. The docket was opened in response to a joint petition filing by Progress Energy Carolinas Inc., Duke Power, and Virginia Electric and Power Company. This filing included model small generation interconnection standards, a model application to interconnect, and interconnection contract forms. Efforts to develop small generator interconnection criteria began in the commission's net metering docket. However, the developing parties determined that interconnection criteria would affect NC GreenPower, the state's new renewable energy program, and other entities and that they involved matters beyond the scope of net metering. They therefore requested a delay in the net metering proceeding and the creation of a new docket focused on interconnection standards. The commission will return to the net metering docket after the interconnection issues have been resolved and the docket has been closed. Interconnection standards for large generators will then been addressed.
North Dakota Public Service Commission
No information is available for North Dakota.
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved its interconnection requirements in November 2001. Its rules apply to interconnection and parallel operation of distributed generation of 25 kW or smaller single-phase or 300 kW or smaller three-phase. The commission offers Distributed Generation: How to Get Interconnected to Your Local Electric Utility Company's System on its Web site. This page includes links to a sample application form, information about the screening process, and technical interconnection requirements.
Oklahoma Corporation Commission
No information is available for Oklahoma.
Oregon Public Utility Commission
Although Oregon does have net-metering rules, it does not have formal interconnection standards for other distributed generation systems. Oregon's net-metering law, ORS 757.300, can be found in the state's Utility Regulation laws.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
On Jan. 24, 2001, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission issued an order that established a working group to consider the adoption of standards for the interconnection of distributed generation. The working group was tasked with considering whether unnecessary technical, regulatory, or business practice barriers impede the interconnection of distributed generation with the distribution grid and exploring the feasibility of the adoption of a uniform set of interconnection standards. The commission hoped that the establishment of uniform guidelines would promote the use of distributed resources to provide peak-demand responsiveness, enhance the reliability of electric service and economic efficiency in the production and consumption of electricity, and provide customers greater market control over the price and the quality of the electricity they consume. The first meeting of the interconnection working group was scheduled for March 2001, and a report of the group's findings and recommendations was due to the commission by Sept. 28, 2001. No records of these activities are available on the commission's Web site.
Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
No information is available for Rhode Island.
Public Service Commission of South Carolina
No information is available for South Carolina.
South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
No information is available for South Dakota.
Tennessee Regulatory Authority
No information is available for Tennessee.
Public Utility Commission of Texas
In 1999, the Public Utility Commission of Texas adopted final rules to address the technical and contractual issues related to distributed resources. The rules, which were designed to ensure that customers have access to on-site distributed generation less than 10 MW, prescribe terms and conditions for the connection of small power generation and establish technical requirements to promote the safe and reliable operation of distributed generation.
Texas' interconnection rules are listed under two sections:
The commission has also published a Distributed Generation Interconnection Manual (PDF 559 KB) The manual is intended to guide the inclusion of distributed generation into the Texas electric system. It is for utility engineers processing distributed generation applications as well as persons considering or proposing the interconnection of distributed generation with a transmission and distribution utility. The procedures in the manual cover interconnection issues and problems and detail the process for dispute resolution.
For more information, see the Public Utility Commission of Texas Distributed Generation page.
Public Service Commission of Utah
Although Utah does not have formal interconnection rules for all forms of distributed generation, it does have net-metering laws. Signed into law March 15, 2002, Utah's net-metering laws apply to renewable energy systems of up to 25 kW. For more information, see the Utah Energy Office's Net Metering Web page.
Vermont Department of Public Service
In 1998, Vermont passed H.605, its net-metering bill. Net metering applies to renewable generation sources of up to 15 kW or farm methane generation sources of up to 125 kW. To participate in net metering, residents must obtain a Certificate of Public Good from the board and meet the state's interconnection and technical requirements (PDF 16 KB). More information is available on the state's Net Metering in Vermont Web page. Vermont has not addressed interconnection of other distributed generation systems.
Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission
In May 2000, the Virginia State Corporation Commission issued an order establishing interconnection requirements for net-metering customers with residential generators less than 10 kW or nonresidential generators less than 25 kW that use solar, wind, or hydro energy. The commission approved a standard notification form and established time guidelines for the review and approval of proposed interconnections. For additional information, see Commonwealth Of Virginia State Corporation Commission Case No. PUE990788, Code §56-594, Order Adopting Regulations Governing Net Energy Metering (PDF 14 KB) and Regulations Governing Net Energy Metering, 20 VAC 5-315-10 (PDF 24 KB). In June 2004, the commission opened a new docket (PUE-200400060) to further investigate net metering after an April 2004 amendment to the state's net metering legislation increased the capacity limit for nonresidential customers to 500 kW. The new docket will revise the definition of a customer generator and incorporate revisions to accommodate the capacity increase. For additional information, see the Division of Economics and Finance Web site.
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
In June 1998, Washington Substitute House Bill 2773 created net-metering for certain renewable energy systems. In June 2000, Washington amended its existing net-metering laws to include fuel cells in the list of eligible technologies less than 25 kW (joining solar, wind, and hydropower). The amendments also stipulated that not less than 0.05% of the cumulative generating capacity of net metering systems come from solar, wind, and hydropower. In addition, the legislation forbid utilities to require customer-generators whose systems meet standards specified in the law to comply with additional safety or performance standards, perform or pay for additional tests, or purchase additional liability insurance. For more information about net metering in Washington, see the Utilities and Transportation Commission's Net Metering for Renewable Energy Systems Web page. No rules currently exist to regulate the interconnection of other distributed generation systems.
Public Service Commission of West Virginia
The West Virginia Public Service Commission in November 2000 established a procedural schedule for the future establishment of rules governing interconnection, reliability, and distributed generation to be included within proposed rules identified as Rules for the Government of Electric Utilities, Electric Service Providers, and Retail Electric Service. The procedural schedule was to culminate in a hearing to be held on March 30, 2001. Since that order, rulemaking proceedings relating to restructuring of the electric supply market in West Virginia have been put on hold, and the hearing has been canceled until further order of the commission. GO255, Rules for the Government of Electric Utilities, Electric Service Providers and Retail Electric Service In 2002, work groups of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia met several times to discuss General Order 255, DG Interconnection Standards and net metering. No final products were submitted to the commission.
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Wisconsin's interconnection standards, PSC 119 Rules for Interconnecting Distributed Generation Facilities (PDF 46 KB), became effective Feb. 1, 2004, upon publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register. On Sept. 25, 2003, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission adopted the new chapter to establish uniform standards for the interconnection of small generators with utility distribution systems. A combination of improved technological performance and growing customer interest in distributed generation systems created the impetus to revise the state's 22-year-old interconnection rules. The old rules allowed utilities considerable latitude in setting their own procedures and requirements for interconnection. The new rules apply to all public utilities and govern new DG systems up to 15 MW operating in parallel with electric utilities.
Wyoming Public Service Commission
Wyoming does not have general rules for the interconnection of distributed generation, but it does have net-metering laws. Wyoming's net-metering laws cover requirements for the interconnection of solar, wind, and hydropower systems up to 25 kW.
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