Interconnection Discussion Forum Projects Update
Update on interconnection activities, projects over 1MW, and themes discussed in the forum. Includes meeting objectives, agenda topics, inquiry themes, and PG&E interconnection updates on process changes and completed/planned actions.
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Interconnection Discussion Forum Projects >1MW 04/03/18
Agenda Time Topic 9:30 - 9:40 Welcome, meeting objectives 9:40 10:15 Interconnection activities update CPUC / PG&E 10:15 - 12:10 Interconnecting projects 1MW and larger under Rule 21 10:00 - 10:25 Determining My Application 10:25 - 10:50 Review Types of Mitigations 10:50 - 11:15 Substation Upgrade Process 11:15 - 11:40 Interconnection Financial Security 11:40 - 12:10 Other Special Programs 12:10 - 12:30 Recap & next steps
Meeting Objectives Update stakeholders on expedited dispute process panel establishment per AB2861 Provide transparency into interconnection inquiries being received by the CPUC Understand actions taken and action items from last forum Understand interconnection process and expectations for projects > 1 MW Capture going forward interconnection-related actions
Interconnection Inquiry Themes Smart inverter transition Reduction in size interpretation Application processing delays / lack of communication Service planning delays lack of ability to schedule shutdowns or inspections, inconsistency of utility communicated timelines and work performed Unique configurations solar/storage systems Non-interconnection issues permitting, program qualification, billing
PG&E Interconnection Update From Interconnection Discussion Forum feedback: From Interconnection Discussion Forum feedback: Piloting 2 process changes for Small NEM paired storage (Solar 30 kW storage 10kW) Adding online payment for NEM paired storages & other projects (by end 2018) Completed Actions: Completed Actions: May 2017 - Lowered telemetry, Mini-RTU, costs for systems >= 1MW Dec 2017 - Simplified Small NEM paired storage interconnection agreement Jan 2018 - Public Workshop for Smart Inverter and Interconnection Best Practices Jan 2018 - Upgraded from workflow management system (currently working through migration and system stabilization issues) Feb 2018 - Increased staff working on end-to-end interconnection process Planned actions: Planned actions: Create centralized, dedicated Service Planning estimation team (May 2018) Collaborate with NEM paired storage developers to streamline interconnection 3
Project > 1 MW Session Objectives Clarity on when a project stays in Rule 21 and when it becomes WDAT Clarity on Over 1MW Interconnection Process Different types of required upgrades and timeline expectations Clarity on Special Program Requirements Identify Inconsistencies amongst IOU s
Todays Topic of Conversation What we are discussing today: Projects over 1MW Rule 21 Various Types of Upgrades What we are not discussing today: Projects under 1MW WDAT or ISO Projects Future OIR Discussions
HOW TO DETERMINE MY APPLICATION? Brief Rule 21 Overview Governed by CPUC Non Export and Some Applicable Export Projects (NEM/QF s) Typically Distribution Connections, (rarely) Transmission Interconnections (Additional WDAT Studies may apply) Fast Track or Detailed Study Process? Fast Track (Initial and Supplemental Review) Project < 3MW Detailed Study (EIT, System Impact Study, Group Study) Projects of any size can be submitted directly to DIS Electrical Independence Test (EIT) Fail Screen Q: WDAT Cluster Study Additional WDAT application fees apply Project can return to Rule 21 after Study Completion for the Interconnection Agreement Fail Screen R: Move to Detailed Group Study Pass Screen Q and R: Move to System Impact Study Rule 21 Section: F. 3. Projects >1MW
WHAT ARE SOME TYPES OF MITIGATIONS? TYPES OF UTILITY MITIGATIONS: 1) Facility Upgrades 2) Distribution Upgrades 3) Network Facility Upgrades DISTRIBUTION AND NETWORK UPGRADES Telemetry Items always required for projects over 1MW Distribution Upgrades Typically Installed by Local Utility Estimating/Construction Group. Network Upgrades can be installed by local crews or specialized crews depending on the type of work required. Utility may use local crews or larger GC crews depending on the amount of work needed for the job. Larger crews may require more time for construction scheduling Timelines typically vary depending on the local office (PG&E: 4-10 months) (SCE: 5-8 months), (SDG&E: 6-8 months) Please refer to the utility unit cost guide for more cost clarification on upgrades costs. Rule 21 Section: Unspecified Projects >1MW
WHAT IS THE SUBSTATION UPGRADE PROCESS? SUBSTATION UPGRADES Typically assigned to a specialized group not the local office. Can be Distribution Upgrades or Network Upgrades Estimated Timeline: 12-24 Months Why do these upgrades have extended timelines? Complex Engineering and Designs: requires experienced specialized design and estimating. Permitting Process: Obtaining permits for these types of upgrades can be time consuming and sometimes require complex environmental permits. Procurement: challenging to procure the specialized equipment. Limited Resources: small selection of Contractors and utility crews that are certified to perform this type of work. Projects >1MW Rule 21 Section: Unspecified
WHAT IS THE INTERCONNECTION FINANCIAL SECURITY PROCESS? Purpose: To ensure that the utility customer is capable of paying the interconnection costs. Different Types of Interconnection Financial Security (IFS): Letter of Credit Irrevocable Guaranty Cash Deposit in an interest bearing Escrow Account Fast Track Process Initial 30% Due 60 calendar days of IA Execution Remaining amount 20 calendar days prior to construction Start Detailed Study Process On or before start of construction FS 120 CD after FS 60 CD after SIS Start System Impact Study Construction 20% or $20K per MW 30% 100% Network Upgrades Process Utilizes a three phase step approach as well. Projects >1MW Rule 21 Section: F. 3. b. iv.
HOW DO OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS INTERCONNECT? Synchronous Generators: Examples: wind turbines, Biomass steam generators, and microturbines Automatic synchronizing is required for all synchronous Generators that have a Short Circuit Contribution Ratio (SCCR) exceeding 0.05. BioMAT BioMAT tends to be synchronous generation Tends to be in remote areas Tends to have minimal local load BioMAT can be sized to 5 MW, with 3 MW export (under PPA) Often entails Network Projects >1MW Rule 21 Section: H. 3. a
REVIEW AND RECAP DISCUSSION Meeting Objectives: Clarity on when a project stays in Rule 21 and when it becomes WDAT Clarity on Over 1MW Interconnection Process Different types of required upgrades and timeline expectations Clarity on Special Program Requirements Identify Inconsistencies amongst IOU s Rule 21 Projects >1MW
