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Notice Of Proceeding Filed Re: Investigation Into Interconnection Process Modifications
From Notice:
{***} “On October 4, 2019, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (Authority or PURA) established Docket No. 17-12-03RE06, PURA Investigation into Distribution System Planning of the Electric Distribution Companies – Interconnection Standards and Practice, to investigate the interconnection policies of the electric distribution companies (EDCs) in accordance with the Interim Decision dated October 2, 2019, in Docket No. 17- 12-03, PURA Investigation into Distribution System Planning of the Electric Distribution Companies. As a part of this investigation, the Authority established a statewide Interconnection Working Group tasked with: (1) reviewing interconnection guidelines and application forms; (2) improving transparency in the interconnection process; (3) examining technical criteria/screens; (4) monitoring IEEE-1547 developments; (5) evaluating hosting capacity maps; and (6) considering the establishment of a formal technical regional working group. Decision, Nov. 25, 2020, Docket No. 17-12-03RE06, pp. 2–4.
Since the creation of the Interconnection Working Group, numerous additional issues related to interconnection have emerged, particularly during the annual reviews of the Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES) and Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) Programs. As a result, instead of addressing these issues individually during the annual review proceedings1 of the Authority’s clean energy programs, the Authority issued a procedural order directing the remaining interconnection matters to be addressed by stakeholders through the Interconnection Working Group (Procedural Order). Procedural Order, Sept. 12, 2024, Docket No. 17-12-03RE06, p. 2. Specifically, the Authority instructed the Interconnection Working Group to compile an Interconnection Report addressing the unresolved issues within a 100-Day Sprint, which commenced upon the issuance of the Procedural Order and concluded on December 21, 2024. Id., p. 2. The Authority also indicated that it would resolve any outstanding issues should the Working Group fail to address them within this timeframe. Id., p. 3.
On December 20, 2024, the Interconnection Working Group submitted its Sprint Report to the Authority, which included a list of 44 proposals considered during the 100- Day Sprint. Of these, 26 received consensus support, while 18 were not adopted. PURA Office of Education, Outreach and Enforcement Corresp., Dec. 20, 2024, Docket No. 17- 12-03RE06, Att. 2024 100-Day Sprint Report.
This proceeding will serve as the official administrative record for reviewing the 44 proposals, both those that achieved consensus and those that did not. See id., p. 37. Additionally, the Authority may introduce other relevant topics related to interconnection process modifications at its discretion during the course of this proceeding. “ [ *** ]
Notice of Proceeding (02/03/2025)
25-01-27 (01/21/2025)
(PURA Investigation into Interconnection Process Modifications)
