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Standardizing Interconnection Requirements

To facilitate development of distributed energy resources (DER) projects, many regulators are working to simplify and standardize the process of interconnecting to the grid without sacrificing safety or reliability.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) developed a U.S. standard for the interconnection of DER systems up to 10 megawatts (MW) in capacity. The standard defines the technical performance standards and testing requirements necessary for most interconnections of DER on radial distribution systems.

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) is taking many steps to assist DER. NARUC adopted and recommended the use of model interconnection agreements and procedures to its members (state public utility commissions). The model interconnection agreement and procedures reflect "best practices" of states that had previously held full, open, and fair proceedings to address interconnections of DER.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission initiated dockets to standardize interconnection agreements for small power producers. To enhance communications among stakeholders, FERC is hosting an interactive Web site on small generators.