PROPOSED RULES
COMMISSION
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 06-12-104.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 480-108 WAC, Electric companies--Interconnection with electric generators.
The proposed rule would establish standards for determining the charges, terms and conditions for interconnection of consumer-owned power generation facilities up to 20 MW of nameplate capacity to electric utility delivery systems. These regulations include standards for applications for interconnection, processing of such applications, technical and engineering standards for interconnections, safety standards, insurance and liability provisions, dispute resolution, and other provisions.
Hearing Location(s): Commission Hearing Room 206, Second Floor, Richard Hemstad Building, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504-7250, on August 15, 2007, at 1:30 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: August 15, 2007.
Submit Written Comments to: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250, e-mail records@wutc.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-1150, by August 2, 2007. Please include "Docket UE-060649" in your comments.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Mary De Young by August 13, 2007, TTY (360) 586-8203 or (360) 664-1133.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: On August 8, 2005, amendments to Section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)) (PURPA) became effective under the federal Energy Policy Act. Section 1254(a) amends PURPA to require state regulatory commissions to consider and determine whether to establish a standard to require that utilities make available to utility customers with on-site generation facilities interconnection service to the utility's local distribution system. The commission initiated this inquiry to determine whether adoption by rule of the new PURPA standard for interconnection would be in the public interest and would further the objectives of PURPA to encourage: Conservation of energy supplied by electric utilities; optimal efficiency of electric utility facilities and resources; and equitable rates for electric consumers. The requirement for regulatory authorities to consider the interconnection standard established in Section 1254(a) does not apply if a state has taken "prior action" to adopt or consider the standard or a comparable standard, or the state's legislature has voted on the standard or a comparable standard.
Chapter 480-108 WAC already sets standards regulating the interconnection of consumer-owned electric generation to utility distribution systems. However, the regulations are limited to generation facilities up to 25 KW in nameplate capacity. The proposed amendments to chapter 480-108 WAC extend the application of standards to govern interconnection of consumer-owned generating facilities with nameplate generating capacity up to and including 20 MW to the distribution facilities of utilities jurisdictional to the commission. The proposed amended regulations are beneficial and in the public interest because they will facilitate development of distributed generation with capacity larger than the small scale projects covered now by chapter 480-108 WAC and because they will harmonize the standards a utility must apply to interconnections to state-jurisdictional distribution facilities with the standards a utility must apply to interconnections to facilities jurisdictional to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: See above.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160.
Statute Being Implemented: Not applicable.
Rule is necessary because of federal law, 16 U.S.C. § 1254(a).
Name of Proponent: Washington utilities and transportation commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Dick Byers, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1209; Implementation and Enforcement: Carole J. Washburn, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1174.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rules require investor-owned utilities, none of which qualify as a small business, to offer customers interconnection service that was not previously required. Because there will not be any increase in costs to small businesses resulting from the proposed rule changes, a small business economic impact statement is not required under RCW 19.85.030(1). In any event, the commission has determined these rules are necessary to comply with federal law, namely Section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)).
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The commission is not an agency to which RCW 34.05.328 applies. The proposed rules are not significant legislative rules of the sort referenced in RCW 34.05.328(5).
July 5, 2007
Carole J. Washburn
Executive Secretary
OTS-9844.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Docket No. UE-051106, General
Order No. R-528, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06)
WAC 480-108-001
Purpose and scope.
(1) The purpose of
this chapter is ((to establish rules for determining the terms
and conditions governing the interconnection of electric
generating facilities with a nameplate generating capacity of
not more than 25 kilowatts to the electric system of an
electrical company over which the commission has
jurisdiction)) two-fold:
(a) Part 1 of this chapter establishes rules for determining the charges, terms and conditions governing the interconnection of customer-owned electric generating facilities with a nameplate generating capacity of no more than 300 kilowatts (kW) to the electric system of an electrical company over which the commission has jurisdiction.
(b) Part 2 of this chapter establishes rules requiring each electrical company to file interconnection service tariffs for interconnection of electric generating facilities with a nameplate generating capacity greater than 300 kW but no more than 20 megawatts (MW) to the electric system of an electrical company over which the commission has jurisdiction. The terms and conditions in such interconnection service tariffs must be either equivalent in all procedural and technical respects with the electrical company's interconnection service offered under its open access transmission tariff approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or they must comply with a specified set of requirements set out in WAC 480-108-090.
(2) These rules are intended:
(a) To be consistent with the requirements of chapter 80.60 RCW, Net metering of electricity; ((to partially))
(b) To comply with Section 1254 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-58 (2005) that amended section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) relating to Net Metering (subsection 11) and Interconnection (subsection 15); and
(c) To promote the purposes of ((Substitute Senate Bill
No. 5101, chapter 300, Laws of 2005)) RCW 82.16.120 (effective
July 1, 2005).
(3) This chapter governs the terms and conditions under
which ((the applicant's)) an interconnection customer's
generating facility, including without limitation net-metered
facilities, will interconnect with, and operate in parallel
with, the electrical company's electric system. This chapter
does not govern the settlement, purchase or delivery of any
power generated by ((the applicant's)) an interconnection
customer's net-metered or production-metered generating
facility.
(4) This chapter does not govern electrical company services to PURPA qualifying facilities pursuant to chapter 480-107 WAC.
(5) This chapter does not govern standby generators designed and used only to provide power to the customer when the local electric distribution company service is interrupted and that operate in parallel with the electric distribution company for less than 0.5 seconds both to and from emergency service.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 06-07-017 (Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528), § 480-108-001, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06.]
(2) This chapter governs interconnections subject to the jurisdiction of the commission and does not govern interconnections subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
(3) The tariff provisions filed by electrical companies must conform to these rules. If the commission accepts a tariff that conflicts with these rules, the acceptance does not constitute a waiver of these rules unless the commission specifically approves the variation consistent with WAC 480-100-008.
(4) Electrical companies shall modify((, if necessary,
any)) existing tariffs, ((including)) if necessary, to conform
to these rules. This includes, but is not limited to, tariffs
implementing chapter 80.60 RCW, Net metering of electricity((,
which are currently on file and approved by the commission to
conform to these rules)).
(((3))) (5) Disputes that arise under this chapter will
be addressed in accordance with chapter 480-07 WAC. Any
existing or potential interconnection customer may ask the
commission to review the interpretation or application of
these rules by an electrical company by making an informal
complaint under WAC 480-07-910, Informal complaints, or by
filing a formal complaint under WAC 480-07-370,
Pleadings -- General.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 06-07-017 (Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528), § 480-108-005, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06.]
"Application" means the written notice as defined in WAC 480-108-030 ((provided by the applicant)) that the
interconnection customer provides to the electrical company
((that)) to initiate((s)) the interconnection process.
"Business day" means Monday through Friday excluding official federal and state holidays.
"Certificate of completion" means the form ((as defined))
described in WAC 480-108-050 that must be completed by the
((applicant or generator)) interconnection customer and the
electrical inspector having jurisdiction over the installation
of the facilities indicating completion of installation and
inspection of the interconnection. As provided in WAC 480-108-050, the certificate of completion must be reviewed
and approved, in writing, by the electrical company before the
interconnection customer's generation facility may be
connected and operated in parallel with the electrical
company's electrical system.
"Commission" means the Washington utilities and transportation commission.
"Electric system" means all electrical wires, equipment,
and other facilities owned ((or provided)) by the electrical
company that are used to transmit electricity to customers.
"Electrical company" means any public service company, as
defined by RCW 80.04.010, engaged in the generation,
distribution, sale or furnishing of electricity and ((which
is)) subject to the jurisdiction of the commission.
"Generating facility" means a source of electricity owned
by the ((applicant or generator)) interconnection customer
that is located on the ((applicant's)) interconnection
customer's side of the point of common coupling, and all
((facilities)) ancillary and appurtenant ((thereto))
facilities, including interconnection facilities, which the
((applicant)) interconnection customer requests to
interconnect to the electrical company's electric system.
(("Generator" means the entity that owns and/or operates
the generating facility interconnected to the electrical
company's electric system.)) "Grid network distribution
system" means electrical service from a distribution system
consisting of two or more primary circuits from one or more
substations or transmission supply points arranged such that
they collectively feed secondary circuits serving more than
one location and more than one electrical company customer.
"Interconnection customer" means the person, corporation, partnership, government agency, or other entity that owns and operates a generating facility interconnected or requested to be interconnected to the electrical company's electric system. The interconnection customer may assign to another party responsibility for compliance with the requirements of this rule only with the express written permission of the electrical company.
"Initial operation" means the first time the generating facility is in parallel operation with the electric system.
"In-service date" means the date on which the generating facility and any related facilities are complete and ready for service, even if the generating facility is not placed in service on or by that date.
"Interconnection" means the physical connection of a generating facility to the electric system so that parallel operation may occur.
"Interconnection facilities" means the electrical wires, switches and other equipment owned by the electrical company or the interconnection customer and used to interconnect a generating facility to the electric system. Interconnection facilities are located between the generating facility and the point of common coupling. Interconnection facilities do not include system upgrades.
"Model interconnection agreement" means a written agreement including standardized terms and conditions that govern the interconnection of generating facilities pursuant to this chapter. The model interconnection agreement may be modified to accommodate terms and conditions specific to individual interconnections, subject to the conditions set forth in these rules.
"Net metering" means measuring the difference between the electricity supplied by an electrical company and the electricity generated by a generating facility that is fed back to the electrical company over the applicable billing period.
(("Network distribution system (grid or spot)" means
electrical service from a distribution system consisting of
two or more primary circuits from one or more substations or
transmission supply points arranged such that they
collectively feed secondary circuits serving one (a spot
network) or more (a grid network) electrical company
customers.))
"Network protectors" means devices installed on a spot network distribution system designed to detect and interrupt reverse current-flow (flow out of the network) as quickly as possible, typically within three to six cycles.
"Parallel operation" or "operate in parallel" means the synchronous operation of a generating facility while interconnected with an electrical company's electric system.
"Point of common coupling" or "PCC" means the point where the generating facility's local electric power system connects to the electrical company's electric system, such as the electric power revenue meter or at the location of the equipment designated to interrupt, separate or disconnect the connection between the generating facility and electrical company. The point of common coupling is the point of measurement for the application of IEEE 1547, clause 4.
"PURPA qualifying facility" means a generating facility that meets the criteria specified by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in 18 CFR Part 292 Subpart B and that sells power to an electrical company under chapter 480-107 WAC.
"Spot network distribution system" means electrical service from a distribution system consisting of two or more primary circuits from one or more substations or transmission supply points arranged such that they collectively feed a secondary circuit serving a single location (e.g., a large facility or campus) containing one or more electrical company customers.
"System upgrades" means the additions, modifications and upgrades to the electrical company's electrical system at or beyond the point of common coupling necessary to facilitate the interconnection of the generating facility. System upgrades do not include interconnection facilities.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 06-07-017 (Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528), § 480-108-010, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06.]
PART 1: INTERCONNECTION OF GENERATION FACILITIES WITH NAMEPLATE CAPACITY RATING OF 300 KW OR LESS
[]
(1) General interconnection requirements.
(a) ((Any)) The interconnection of a generating facility
((desiring to interconnect)) with the electrical company's
electric system, the modification of a generating facility
that is currently interconnected to the electrical company's
electric system, or ((modify)) the modification of an existing
interconnection must meet all minimum technical specifications
applicable, in their most current approved version, as set
forth in ((this chapter)) WAC 480-108-999.
(b) ((The specifications and requirements in this section
are intended to mitigate possible adverse impacts caused by
the generating facility on electrical company equipment and
personnel and on other customers of the electrical company.
They are not intended to address protection of the generating
facility itself, generating facility personnel, or its
internal load. It is the responsibility of the generating
facility to comply with the requirements of all appropriate
standards, codes, statutes and authorities to protect its own
facilities, personnel, and loads)) Interconnection of a
generation facility with a nameplate capacity rating of 300 kW
or less must comply with all applicable requirements in Table
1.
Single-Phase | Three-Phase | |||
Feature | < 50 kW Inverter based | < 50 kW Noninverter based | < 300 kW Inverter based | < 300 kW Noninverter based |
IEEE 1547 compliant | X | X | X | X |
UL 1741 listed | X | X | ||
Interrupting devices (capable of interrupting maximum available fault current) | X (8) | X | X (8) | X |
Interconnection disconnect device (manual, lockable, visible, accessible) | X (1) | X | X | X |
System protection | X (3)(4)(6) | X (3)(4)(5)(6) | ||
Over-voltage trip | X (8) | X | X (8) | X |
Under-voltage trip | X (8) | X | X (8) | X |
Over/under frequency trip | X (8) | X | X (8) | X |
Automatic synchronizing check | X | X | ||
Ground over-voltage or over-current trip for utility system faults | X (2) | |||
Power factor | X (7) | X (7) |
Notes: | |
X - Required feature (blank = not required). | |
(1) - Electrical company may choose to waive this requirement. | |
(2) - May be required by electrical company; selection based on grounding system. | |
(3) - No single point of failure shall lead to loss of protection. | |
(4) - All protective devices shall fully meet the requirements of American National Standards Institute C37.90. | |
(5) - Electrical company will specify the transformer connection. | |
(6) - It is the customer's responsibility to ensure that its system is effectively grounded as defined by IEEE Std. 142 at the point of common coupling. | |
(7) - Variance may be allowed based upon specific requirements per electrical company review. Charges may be incurred for losses. | |
(8) - UL 1741 listed equipment provides required protection. |
(d) The specification and requirements in this section are intended to mitigate possible adverse impacts caused by the generating facility on electrical company equipment and personnel and on other customers of the electrical company. The specifications and requirements in this section are not intended to address protection of the generating facility or its internal load, or generating facility personnel. The interconnection customer is responsible for complying with the requirements of all appropriate standards, codes, statutes, and authorities to protect its own facilities, personnel, and loads.
(((c))) (e) The specifications and requirements in this
section ((shall)) apply generally to the ((nonelectrical
company-owned electric generation equipment to which this
standard and)) interconnection to an electrical company's
electric system of customer-owned and operated electric
equipment and any other facilities or equipment not owned by
the electrical company to which interconnection agreement(s)
apply throughout the period encompassing the ((generator's))
interconnection customer's installation, testing and
commissioning, operation, maintenance, decommissioning and
removal of ((said)) equipment. The electrical company may
verify compliance at any time, with reasonable notice.
(((d))) (f) The ((generator shall)) electrical company
may refuse to establish or maintain interconnection with any
interconnection customer that fails to comply with the
requirements in (((d))) (f)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this
subsection. However, at its sole discretion, the electrical
company may approve alternatives that satisfy the intent of,
and/or may excuse compliance with, any specific elements of
these requirements except local, state and federal building
codes.
(i) Code and standards. ((Applicant shall)) All
interconnections must conform to all applicable codes and
standards for safe and reliable operation. Among these are
the National Electric Code (NEC)((,)); National Electric
Safety Code (NESC)((,)); the ((Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American National Standards
Institute (ANSI), and)) standards of the North American
Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC); the standards of the
Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC); American
National Standards Institute (ANSI); Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) standards((, and)); local, state and federal building
codes, and the electrical company's written electric service
requirement, if any. ((The generator shall be responsible to
obtain)) Electrical companies may require verification that an
interconnection customer has obtained all applicable permit(s)
for the equipment installations on its property.
(ii) Safety. All safety and operating procedures for
((joint use equipment shall be in compliance)) interconnection
facilities must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) Standard at 29 CFR 1910.269, the NEC,
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules, the Washington
Industrial Safety and Health Administration (WISHA) Standard,
and equipment manufacturer's safety and operating manuals.
(iii) Power quality. Installations ((will)) must be in
compliance with all applicable standards including, without
limitation, IEEE Standard 519((-1992)) Harmonic Limits, and
IEEE Standard 141 Flicker as measured at the PCC.
(2) Specific interconnection requirements.
(a) ((Applicant shall furnish)) The electrical company
must verify that the interconnection customer has furnished
and ((install)) installed on ((applicant's)) its side of the
meter, a UL-approved safety disconnect switch ((which shall be
capable of)) that can fully ((disconnecting)) disconnect the
((applicant's)) interconnection customer's generating facility
from the electrical company's electric system. The disconnect
switch ((shall)) must be located adjacent to electrical
company meters and shall be of the visible break type in a
metal enclosure ((which)) that can be secured by a padlock. The disconnect switch ((shall)) must be accessible to
electrical company personnel at all times.
(b) The requirement in (a) of this subsection may be waived by the electrical company if the interconnection customer:
(i) ((Applicant)) Provides interconnection ((equipment))
facilities that ((applicant)) the interconnection customer can
demonstrate, to the satisfaction of electrical company,
perform((s)) physical disconnection of the generating
equipment supply internally; and
(ii) ((Applicant)) Agrees that its service may be
disconnected entirely if generating equipment must be
physically disconnected for any reason.
Such waiver granted by the electrical company to the interconnection customer must be explicit and in writing.
(c) The electrical company ((shall have)) has the right
to disconnect the generating facility at the disconnect switch
((under the following circumstances)):
(i) When necessary to maintain safe electrical operating conditions;
(ii) If the generating facility does not meet required standards; or
(iii) If the generating facility at any time adversely affects or endangers any person, the property of any person, the electrical company's operation of its electric system or the quality of electrical company's service to other customers.
(d) Nominal voltage and phase configuration of
((applicant's)) interconnection customer's generating facility
must be compatible ((to)) with the electrical company's system
within generally accepted engineering standards including
without limitation IEEE Standards 141 and 519 at the point of
common coupling.
(e) ((Applicant must provide evidence that its
generation)) The electrical company must verify on the basis
of evidence provided by the interconnection customer that the
generating facility will never ((result in)) cause reverse
current flow through the electrical company's network
protectors.
(f) All instances of interconnection to ((secondary))
spot network distribution ((networks shall)) systems require
review, studies as necessary, and written ((preapproval))
approval by the electrical company.
(g) All instances of interconnection to ((distribution
secondary)) grid network((s is not allowed)) distribution
systems require review, studies as necessary, and written
approval by the electrical company.
(h) Closed transition transfer switches are not allowed
in ((secondary)) network distribution systems.
(3) Specifications applicable to all inverter-based
interconnections. In addition to the requirements contained
in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the
interconnection of any inverter-based generating facility
((desiring to interconnect)) with the electrical company's
electric system, or ((modify)) the modification of an existing
interconnection with an inverter-based generating facility
must meet the following additional technical specifications,
in their most current approved version((, as set forth
below.)):
(a) IEEE Standard 1547, Standard for Interconnecting
Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems((.));
(b) UL Standard 1741, Inverters, Converters, and
Controllers for Use in Independent Power Systems. Equipment
must be UL listed((.)); and
(c) IEEE Standard 929, IEEE Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems.
(4) ((Requirements applicable to)) In addition to the
requirements in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, all
noninverter-based interconnections((. Noninverter-based
interconnection requests)) and all inverter-based
interconnections failing to meet the requirements of
subsection (3) of this section may require more detailed
electrical company review((, testing, and approval, at
applicant cost,)). Electrical companies may require
interconnection customers to pay for testing and approval of
the equipment proposed to be installed to ensure compliance
with applicable technical specifications, in their most
current approved version, including:
(a) IEEE Standard 1547, Standard for Interconnecting
Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems((.)), for
systems 10 MVA or less; and
(b) ANSI Standard C37.90, IEEE Standard for Relays and Relay Systems Associated with Electric Power Apparatus.
(((c) Applicants proposing such interconnection)) (5) The
electric company may ((also be required)) require
interconnection customers proposing noninverter-based
interconnection to submit a power factor mitigation plan for
electrical company review and approval.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 06-07-017 (Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528), § 480-108-020, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06.]
(2) The electrical company will designate a point of contact and publish a telephone number and/or web site address for the unique purpose of assisting potential interconnection customers. The electrical company must comply with reasonable requests for information including relevant system studies, interconnection studies, and other materials useful for an interconnection customer to understand the circumstances of an interconnection at a particular point on the electrical company's electric system, to the extent provision of such information does not violate confidentiality provisions of prior electrical company agreements.
(3) Prior to submitting its interconnection request, a potential interconnection customer may ask the electrical company whether and how the proposed interconnection is subject to this chapter. The electrical company must respond within fifteen business days.
(((2))) (4) Application fees. The electrical company
((may require)) must establish a nonrefundable interconnection
application fee ((of no more than one hundred dollars)) set
according to facility size to be paid by the interconnection
customer to the electrical company when the interconnection
customer submits its application. The fee, intended to cover
the costs of processing the application, will be no greater
than:
(a) One hundred dollars for facilities 0 to 25 kW; and
(b) Five hundred dollars for facilities 26 to 300 kW.
(((3) Application prioritization. All generation
interconnection requests pursuant to this chapter will be
prioritized by the electrical company in the same manner as
any new load requests. Preference will not be given to either
request type. The electrical company will process the
application and provide interconnection in a time frame
consistent with the average of other service connections.
(4))) (5) Interconnection application. The electrical company must stamp all interconnection requests to document the date and time received. The original date and time stamp affixed to the interconnection request will serve as the beginning point for purposes of any timetables in the application and review process.
(6) Application evaluation. ((All generation
interconnection requests pursuant to this chapter will be
reviewed by the utility for compliance with the rules of this
chapter. If the utility in its sole discretion finds that the
application does not comply with this chapter, the utility may
reject the application. If the utility rejects the
application, it shall provide the applicant with written
notification stating its reasons for rejecting the
application.)) Upon receipt of an interconnection application,
the electrical company must notify the interconnection
customer within ten business days whether the interconnection
request is complete. If the application is not complete, the
electrical company must provide a written list detailing all
additional information necessary to complete the application.
The interconnection customer must supply the necessary
information or request an extension of time within ten
business days. If the interconnection customer does not
provide within ten business days the listed information
necessary to complete the application or request an extension
of time, the electrical company may reject the application.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 06-07-017 (Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528), § 480-108-030, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06.]
(2) Simplified review process. Once an application is accepted by the electrical company as complete, the electrical company will review the application to determine if the interconnection request complies with the technical standards established in WAC 480-108-020 and to determine whether any additional engineering, safety, reliability or other studies are required. The electrical company must notify the interconnection customer of the result of these determinations within thirty business days of when the application is deemed complete.
(3) If the electrical company notifies the interconnection customer that the request complies with the technical requirements established in WAC 480-108-020 and no additional studies are required to determine the feasibility of the interconnection, the electrical company must offer the interconnection customer an executable interconnection agreement within five business days of such notification. The electrical company also will provide any additional interim agreements, such as construction agreements, that may be necessary and a good faith estimate of the cost and time necessary to complete the interconnection. The interconnection customer must execute and return the completed agreement(s) within thirty business days following receipt. The interconnection customer must simultaneously pay any deposit required by the electrical company not to exceed fifty percent of the estimated costs to complete the interconnection.
(4) Supplemental review process. If the electrical company determines that additional studies are required to determine the feasibility of the interconnection, the electrical company must notify the interconnection customer within thirty business days of when the application is deemed complete and provide the interconnection customer a form of agreement that includes a description of what studies are required and a good faith estimate of the cost and time necessary to perform the studies. The interconnection customer must execute and return the completed agreement within thirty business days along with any deposit required by the electrical company not to exceed the lower of one thousand dollars, or fifty percent of the estimated study cost.
(5) The electrical company will provide the interconnection customer with the results of the studies conducted under subsection (4) of this section. If the studies determine that the interconnection is not feasible, the electrical company will provide notice of denial to the interconnection customer and the reasons for the denial.
(6) If the studies conducted under subsection (4) of this section determine that the interconnection is feasible, the electrical company will notify the interconnection customer and provide an executable interconnection agreement to the interconnection customer within five business days of such notification. The electrical company also will provide any additional interim agreements, such as construction agreements, that may be necessary and a good faith estimate of the cost and time necessary to complete the interconnection. The interconnection customer must execute and return the completed agreement(s) within thirty business days following receipt. The interconnection customer must simultaneously pay any deposit required by the electrical company not to exceed fifty percent of the estimated costs to complete the interconnection.
(7) An interconnection customer's failure to execute and return completed agreements and required deposits within the time frames specified in subsections (3), (4) and (6) of this section may result in termination of the application process by the electrical company under terms and conditions stated in such agreements.
(8) The interconnection customer shall be responsible for all reasonable costs incurred by the electrical company to study the proposed interconnection and to design, construct, operate and maintain any required interconnection facilities or system upgrades all as required under the charges, terms and conditions stated in the study agreement(s) and interconnection agreement required above.
[]
(1) Any electrical generating facility with a maximum
((electrical generating)) nameplate capacity rating of ((25))
300 kW or less must comply with these rules to be eligible to
interconnect and operate in parallel with the electrical
company's electric system. The rules under this chapter
((shall)) apply to all ((interconnecting)) interconnection
customer-owned generating facilities that are intended to
operate in parallel with an electrical company's electric
system irrespective of whether the ((applicant))
interconnection customer intends to generate energy to serve
all or a part of the ((applicant's)) interconnection
customer's load; or to sell the output to the electrical
company or any third party purchaser.
(2) ((In order)) To ensure system safety and reliability
of interconnected operations, all interconnected generating
facilities ((shall)) must be constructed and operated ((by
generator)) in accordance with this chapter and all other
applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
(3) Prior to initial operation, all ((generators))
interconnection customers must submit a completed certificate
of completion to the electrical company, execute an
appropriate interconnection agreement and any other
agreement(s) required for the disposition of the generating
facility's electric power output as described in WAC 480-108-040(((14))) (15). The interconnection agreement
between the electrical company and ((generator)) the
interconnection customer outlines the interconnection
standards, cost allocation and billing agreements, and
on-going maintenance and operation requirements.
(4) ((Applicant or generator)) The interconnection
customer shall promptly furnish the electrical company with
copies of such plans, specifications, records, and other
information relating to the generating facility or the
ownership, operation, use, electrical company access to, or
maintenance of the generating facility, as may be reasonably
requested by the electrical company from time to time.
(5) For the purposes of public and working personnel
safety, ((any nonapproved generation interconnections
discovered will be)) the electrical company may immediately
((disconnected)) disconnect from the electrical company system
any nonapproved generation interconnections.
(6) To ensure reliable service to all electrical company
customers and to minimize possible problems for other
customers, the electrical company will review the need for a
dedicated-to-single-customer distribution transformer.
((Interconnecting generating facilities under 25 kW may
require a separate transformer.)) If the electrical company
requires a dedicated distribution transformer, the ((applicant
or generator shall)) interconnection customer must pay ((for))
all reasonable costs of the new transformer and related
facilities in accordance with subsection (13) of this section.
(7) Metering.
(a) Net metering for solar, wind, hydropower ((and)) fuel
cells and facilities that simultaneously produce electricity
and useful thermal energy as set forth in chapter 80.60 RCW((:)). The electrical company ((shall)) will install, own
and maintain a kilowatt-hour meter, or meters as the
installation may determine, capable of registering the
bi-directional flow of electricity at the point of common
coupling at a level of accuracy that meets all applicable
standards, regulations and statutes. The meter(s) may measure
such parameters as time of delivery, power factor, voltage and
such other parameters as the electrical company ((shall
specify)) specifies. The ((applicant shall)) interconnection
customer must provide space for metering equipment. ((It will
be the applicant's responsibility to)) The interconnection
customer must provide the current transformer enclosure (if
required), meter socket(s) and junction box after the
((applicant)) interconnection customer has submitted drawings
and equipment specifications for electrical company approval. The electrical company may approve other generating sources
for net metering but is not required to do so.
(b) Production metering: The electrical company may
require separate metering, including metering capable of being
remotely accessed, for production. This meter will record all
generation produced and may be billed separately from any net
metering or customer usage metering. ((All)) Costs associated
with ((the installation of)) production metering will be paid
by the ((applicant)) interconnection customer.
(8) Common labeling furnished or approved by the electrical company and in accordance with NEC requirements must be posted on the meter base, disconnects, and transformers informing working personnel that generation is operating at or is located on the premises.
(9) As currently set forth for qualifying generation
under chapter 80.60 RCW (net metering), ((for solar, wind,
hydro or fuel cells,)) no additional insurance will be
necessary for interconnections that qualify for net metering. For ((other generating facilities permitted under these
standards but not contained within)) generation other than
qualifying generation under chapter 80.60 RCW, additional
insurance, limitations of liability and indemnification may be
required by the electrical company.
(10) ((Prior to any future modification or expansion of
the generating facility, the generator will obtain)) The
electrical company must review and ((approval)) approve any
future modification or expansion of an interconnected
generating facility. The electrical company ((reserves the
right to require the generator, at the generator's expense, to
provide corrections or additions to existing electrical
devices in the event of modification of government or industry
regulations and standards)) may require the interconnection
customer to provide and pay for corrections or additions to
existing interconnection facilities if government or industry
regulations and standards are modified. The electric company
must notify the interconnection customer in writing of any
such requirement. The electrical company may terminate
interconnection service if the interconnection customer does
not within thirty business days of the date of the notice
arrange with the electrical company a mutually agreed schedule
to comply with such requirements.
(11) For the overall safety and protection of the
electrical company system, chapter 80.60 RCW ((currently))
limits interconnection of generation for net metering to
((0.1%)) .25 percent of the electrical company's peak demand
during 1996 and, beginning in 2014, to .50 percent of the
electrical company's peak demand during 1996. Additionally,
interconnection of generating facilities for net metering to
individual distribution feeders ((will be)) is limited to
10((%)) percent of the feeder's peak capacity. ((However,))
The electrical company also may((, in its sole discretion,
allow additional generation interconnection beyond these
stated limits)) restrict or prohibit new or expanded
interconnected generation capacity on any feeder, circuit or
network if engineering, safety or reliability studies indicate
a need for restriction or prohibition.
(12) ((It)) The interconnection customer is ((the
responsibility of the generator to protect)) responsible for
protecting its facilities, loads and equipment and ((comply))
complying with the requirements of all appropriate standards,
codes, statutes and authorities.
(13) Charges by the electrical company to the ((applicant
or generator)) interconnection customer in addition to the
application fee, if any, ((will)) must be ((compensatory and
applied as appropriate)) cost-based and consistent with
generally accepted engineering practices. Such ((costs))
charges may include, but are not limited to, the cost of
engineering studies; the cost of transformers, production
meters, and electrical company testing((,)); the cost of
qualification, and approval of non-UL 1741 listed equipment;
the cost of interconnection facilities, and the cost of any
required system upgrades. Unless an electrical company
demonstrates by reference to its integrated resource plan
prepared pursuant to WAC 480-100-238, its conservation targets
pursuant to RCW 19.285.040, its studies performed under WAC 480-108-065, or other evidence that an interconnection will
provide quantifiable benefits to the electrical company's
other customers, electrical company charges to the
interconnection customer will include all costs made necessary
by the requested interconnection service. If an electrical
company demonstrates that an interconnection will produce
quantifiable benefits for the electrical company's other
customers, it may incur a portion of these costs for
commission consideration for recovery in its general rates
commensurate with such benefits. If after consideration of
any costs approved by the commission for recovery in general
rates the remaining costs are less than any amounts paid by
the interconnection customer, the electrical company must
refund the excess amount to the interconnection customer. ((The generator shall be responsible for any costs associated
with any future upgrade or modification to its interconnected
system required by modifications in the electrical company's
electric system.))
(14) ((This section does not govern the settlement,
purchase or delivery of any power generated by applicant's
generating facility. The purchase or delivery of power,
including net metering of electricity pursuant to chapter 80.60 RCW, and other services that the applicant may require
will be covered by separate agreement or pursuant to the
terms, conditions and rates as may be from time to time
approved by the commission. Any such agreement shall be
complete prior to initial operation and filed with the
commission.)) The interconnection customer is responsible for
costs associated with future upgrades or modification to its
generating facility or interconnection facilities made
necessary by modifications the electrical company makes to its
electric system.
(15) ((Generator may disconnect the generating facility
at any time; provided, that the generator provide reasonable
advance notice to the electrical company.)) This section does
not govern the settlement, purchase or delivery of any power
generated by the interconnection customer's generating
facility. The purchase or delivery of power, including net
metering of electricity pursuant to chapter 80.60 RCW, power
purchases and sales to PURPA qualifying facilities pursuant to
chapter 480-107 WAC, and other services that the
interconnection customer may require will be covered by
separate agreement or pursuant to the terms, conditions and
rates as may be from time to time approved by the commission.
Any such agreement shall be completed prior to initial
operation and filed with the commission.
(16) ((Generator shall notify the electrical company
prior to the sale or transfer of the generating facility, the
interconnection facilities or the premises upon which the
facilities are located. The applicant or generator shall not
assign its rights or obligations under any agreement entered
into pursuant to these rules without the prior written consent
of electrical company, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld.)) The interconnection customer may disconnect the
generating facility at any time after providing reasonable
advance notice to the electrical company.
(17) The electrical company must require an interconnection customer to provide notice of the sale or transfer of the interconnection customer's generating facility, interconnection facilities or the premises upon which the interconnection facilities are located. To continue interconnection service to a new owner, the electrical company must require the new owner to execute a new interconnection agreement.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 06-07-017 (Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528), § 480-108-040, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06.]
[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 06-07-017 (Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528), § 480-108-050, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06.]
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(a) Application((.));
(b) ((Model)) Interconnection agreement((.));
(c) Feasibility study agreement;
(d) Construction agreement; and
(e) Certificate of completion.
(2) The commission may grant such exceptions to these rules as may be appropriate in individual cases.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 06-07-017 (Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528), § 480-108-060, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06.]
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PART 2: INTERCONNECTION OF GENERATION FACILITIES WITH NAMEPLATE CAPACITY RATING GREATER THAN 300 KW BUT NO MORE THAN 20 MW
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(2) Interconnection service tariffs must offer service equivalent in all procedural and technical respects to the interconnection service the electrical company offers under the small generator interconnection provisions of its open access transmission tariff as approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
(3) For purposes of Part 2 of this chapter, "small generator interconnection provisions" means the procedural and technical requirements established by the FERC in Standardization of Small Generator Interconnection Agreements and Procedures, Order No. 2006, 70 FR 34100 (June 13, 2005), FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,180 (2005) (Order No. 2006), order on reh'g, Order No. 2006-A, 70 FR 71760 (Nov. 30, 2005), FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,196 (2005), order on clarif'n, Order No. 2006-B, 71 FR 42587 (July 27, 2006), FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 61,046 (2006). "Small generator interconnection provisions" does not include the 10 kW inverter process required under the above-listed FERC regulations.
(4) Interconnection service includes only the terms and conditions that govern physical interconnection to the electrical company's delivery system and does not include sale or transmission of power by the interconnecting customer or retail service to the interconnecting customer.
[]
(2) An interconnection service tariff filed under this section must meet the following requirements.
(a) All interconnection customers with generating facilities with nameplate capacity greater than 300 kW but no more than 20 MW must be treated equally without undue discrimination or preference.
(b) Electrical companies must ensure that interconnection service will not impair safe, adequate and reliable electric service to its retail electric customers.
(c) Technical requirements for all interconnections must comply with IEEE, NESC, NEC, North American Electric Reliability Corporation, Western Electric Coordinating Council and other applicable safety and reliability standards.
(d) Charges by the electrical company to the interconnection customer in addition to the application fee, if any, must be cost-based and consistent with generally accepted engineering practices. Unless an electrical company demonstrates by reference to its integrated resource plan prepared pursuant to WAC 480-100-238, its conservation targets pursuant to RCW 19.285.040, the studies it performs under WAC 480-108-120, or other evidence that an interconnection will provide quantifiable benefits to the electrical company's other customers, an interconnecting customer must pay all costs made necessary by the requested interconnection service. Such costs include, but are not limited to, the cost of engineering studies, upgrades to utility facilities made necessary by the interconnection, metering and insurance. If an electrical company demonstrates that an interconnection will produce quantifiable benefits for the electrical company's other customers, it may incur a portion of these costs for commission consideration for recovery in its general rates commensurate with such benefits. If after consideration of any costs approved by the commission for recovery in general rates the remaining costs are less than any amounts paid by the interconnection customer, the electrical company must refund the excess to the interconnection customer.
(e) Interconnection customers must be responsible for all operation, maintenance and code compliance for facilities and equipment on the customer's side of the point of common coupling.
(f) Interconnection service tariffs must describe:
(i) The process, timelines and cost of feasibility and facility impact studies the electrical company may require before allowing interconnection.
(ii) The prioritization or other processes by which the electrical company will manage multiple requests for interconnection service.
(g) Interconnection service tariffs must state:
(i) Specific time frames for electrical companies to respond to interconnection applications.
(ii) Specific time frames for interconnection customers to respond to study and interconnection agreements offered by the electrical company. Time frames must be adequate for the electrical company and the interconnection customer to have adequate opportunity to examine engineering studies and project design options.
(h) The electrical company must make knowledgeable personnel available to answer questions regarding applicability of the interconnection service tariff and otherwise provide assistance to a customer seeking interconnection service. The electrical company must comply with reasonable requests for information including relevant system studies, interconnection studies, and other materials useful for an interconnection customer to understand the circumstances of an interconnection at a particular point on the electrical company's electric system, to the extent provision of such information does not violate confidentiality provisions of prior electrical company agreements.
[]
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(a) Application;
(b) Feasibility Study Agreement;
(c) System Impact Study Agreement;
(d) Facilities Study Agreement;
(e) Construction Agreement;
(f) Interconnection Agreement; and
(g) Certificate of Completion.
(2) The commission may grant such exceptions to these rules as may be appropriate in individual cases.
[]
[]
(1) The National Electrical Code is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
(a) The commission adopts the version published in 2005.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) The National Electrical Code is a copyrighted document. Copies are available from the NFPA at 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts, 02169 or at internet address http://www.nfpa.org.
(2) National Electric Safety Code (NESC).
(a) The commission adopts the version published in 2002.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) Copies of the National Electric Safety Code are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at http://standards.ieee.org/nesc.
(3) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1547, Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems.
(a) The commission adopts the version published in 2003.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) Copies of IEEE Standard 1547 are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at http://www.ieee.org/web/standards/home.
(4) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 929, Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems.
(a) The commission adopts the version published in 2000.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) Copies of IEEE Standard 929 are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at http://www.ieee.org/web/standards/home.
(5) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard C37.90, IEEE Standard for Relays and Relay Systems Associated with Electric Power Apparatus.
(a) The commission adopts the version published in 2005.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) Copies of IEEE Standard C37.90 are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at http://www.ieee.org/web/standards/home.
(6) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 519, Recommended Practices and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electrical Power Systems.
(a) The commission adopts the version published in 1992.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) Copies of IEEE Standard 519 are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at http://www.ieee.org/web/standards/home.
(7) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 141, Recommended Practice for Electric Power Distribution for Industrial Plants.
(a) The commission adopts the version published in 1994 and reaffirmed in 1999.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) Copies of IEEE Standard 141 are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at http://www.ieee.org/web/standards/home.
(8) Underwriters Laboratories (UL), including UL Standard 1741, Inverters, Converters, and Controllers for Use in Independent Power Systems.
(a) The commission adopts the version published in 2005.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) UL Standard 1741 is available from Underwriters Laboratory at http://www.ul.com.
(((8))) (9) Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) Standard at 29 CFR 1910.269.
(a) The commission adopts the version published in 1994.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) Copies of Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations are available from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore, http://bookstore.gpo.gov/, and from various third-party vendors.
(((9))) (10) Washington Industrial Safety and Health
Administration (WISHA) Standard, chapter 296-155 WAC.
(a) The commission adopts the version in effect on March 1, 2006.
(b) This publication is referenced in WAC 480-108-020.
(c) The WISHA Standard is available from the Washington Department of Labor and Industries at P.O. Box 44000, Olympia, WA 98504-4000, or at internet address http://www.lni.wa.gov.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 06-07-017 (Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528), § 480-108-999, filed 3/6/06, effective 4/6/06.]