WSR 06-07-017

PERMANENT RULES

UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION

COMMISSION

[ Docket No. UE-051106, General Order No. R-528 -- Filed March 6, 2006, 1:22 p.m. , effective April 6, 2006 ]

     In the matter of adopting a portion of chapter 480-108 WAC, relating to electric companies - interconnection with electric generators.

     1 STATUTORY OR OTHER AUTHORITY: The Washington utilities and transportation commission takes this action under Notice No. WSR 06-03-126, filed with the code reviser on January 18, 2006. The commission brings this proceeding pursuant to RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160.

     2 STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE: This proceeding complies with the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW), the State Register Act (chapter 34.08 RCW), the State Environmental Policy Act of 1971 (chapter 43.21C RCW), and the Regulatory Fairness Act (chapter 19.85 RCW).

     3 DATE OF ADOPTION: The commission adopts this rule on the date that is order is entered.

     4 CONCISE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE RULE: RCW 34.05.325(6) requires that the commission prepare and provide to commenters a concise explanatory statement about an adopted rule. The statement must include the identification of the commission's reasons for adopting the rule, a description of the difference between the version of the proposed rules published in the register and the rules as adopted (other than editing changes), a summary of the comments received regarding the proposed rule changes, and the commission's responses to the comments, reflecting the commission's consideration of them.

     5 The commission often includes a discussion of those matters in its rule adoption order. In addition, to avoid unnecessary duplication, the commission designates the discussion in this order as its concise explanatory statement, supplemented where not inconsistent by the staff memoranda. Together, the documents provide a complete but concise explanation of the agency actions and its reasons for taking those actions.

     6 The rules establish standards for interconnection of consumer-owned power generation facilities up to 25 kW 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, and other provisions.

     7 The commission is adopting this rule to advance state policy to encourage the use of renewable energy technologies.1


     1 RCW 80.28.025 Establishes a state policy to encourage electric power resources from renewable sources through use of incentives.


     8 SSB 5101, chapter 300, Laws of 2005, states that "the legislature intends to provide incentives for the greater use of locally created renewable energy technologies." SSB 5101 also provides that utilities, in return for a credit against the public utility excise tax, may supply an incentive payment to consumers for consumer-generated electricity from renewable energy systems. However, the incentive payments created by SSB 5101 are only available to customers connected to the distribution system of a light and power business if "uniform standards for interconnection to the electric distribution system" are in effect for utilities serving eighty percent of total customer load in the state.

     Establishing standards for interconnection of customer-owned power generation facilities to the delivery systems of the investor-owned utilities constitutes substantial progress toward meeting the threshold condition established by SSB 5101 for customer incentive payments.

     9 The rules encourage small-scale, customer-owned distributed generation facilities by establishing uniformity among the investor-owned utilities regarding technical and process standards for interconnection of such facilities to utility delivery systems.

     10 In addition, recently enacted amendments to Section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)) require the commission to consider and determine whether to establish standards for interconnection. The commission's inquiry and adoption of this rule complies with this requirement.

     11 REFERENCE TO AFFECTED RULES: This order establishes the first portion of a new chapter of Washington Administrative Code, chapter 480-108 WAC, Electric companies -- Interconnection with electric generators.

     12 The commission intends to continue investigation of facilities greater than 25 kW in a supplemental CR-102.

     13 This order adopts the following sections of Washington Administrative Code: WAC 480-108-001 Purpose and scope, 480-108-005 Application of rules, 480-108-010 Definitions, 480-108-020 Technical standards for interconnection, 480-108-030 Application for interconnection, 480-108-040 General terms and conditions of interconnection, 480-108-050 Certificate of completion, 480-108-060 Required filings -- Exceptions, and 480-108-999 Adoption by reference.

     14 PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY AND ACTIONS THEREUNDER: The commission filed a preproposal statement of inquiry (CR-101) on August 12, 2005, at WSR 05-17-083. The statement advised interested persons that the commission was considering entering a rule making to establish regulations to govern the interconnection of consumer-owned power generation facilities to utility delivery facilities.

     15 ADDITIONAL NOTICE AND ACTIVITY PURSUANT TO PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT: The commission informed persons of its inquiry into this matter by providing notice of the subject and the CR-101 to all persons on the commission's list of persons requesting such information pursuant to RCW 34.05.320(3) and the commission's lists of all registered electric and gas companies, persons interested in electric and gas issues, as well as to attorneys representing these companies. The commission posted the relevant rule making information on its internet web site at http://www.wutc.wa.gov/051106. In its notice the commission posed two questions and invited interested persons to respond and make proposals addressing electrical interconnection. The two questions were:

     1. If the commission establishes regulations governing interconnection to utility distribution or transmission facilities that are not FERC-jurisdictional, should it strive for consistency with the FERC standards?

     2. Do the FERC regulations in Order No. 2006 (particularly Appendices "E" and "F") represent a good technical framework for commission regulations to govern interconnection? What modifications and adjustments would be necessary if the commission were to use the FERC rules as a model?

     The commission also welcomed any comprehensive recommendations or proposals that stakeholders or utilities might propose for statewide standards for interconnection as an alternative to the FERC model.

     16 Pursuant to the notice, the commission received comments on October 14, 2005, from the following companies, organizations, and interested persons: Industrial Customers of Northwest Utilities ("ICNU"), the Renewable Northwest Project ("RNP")2, and the Washington load-serving utilities ("utilities")3. The utilities proposed a set of standards that they jointly developed and recommended as a framework for establishing interconnection standards to be used by both commission-jurisdictional utilities and public utilities that are not jurisdictional to the commission.4


     2The Renewable Northwest Project submitted joint comments along with the American Wind Energy Association and the Northwest Energy Coalition.

     3The load-serving utilities, a group consisting of Puget Sound Energy, Avista Corporation, PacificCorp, Benton REA, Big Bend Rural Electric Cooperative, Chelan County PUD, City of Port Angeles, Clark Public Utilities, Elmhurst Mutual, Grant County PUD, Kittitas County PUD, Lewis County PUD, Seattle City Light, Snohomish County PUD, Tacoma Power, the Washington PUD Association, Western Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Association of Washington Cities.

     4The commission commends the investor-owned and public utilities for working cooperatively to develop a proposed set of uniform interconnection standards. We particularly appreciate the constructive participation in our inquiry and rule-making process of the public utilities that are not within our jurisdiction.


     17 The commission convened a workshop on December 2, 2005, to discuss interconnection issues and the utilities' proposal. More than forty interested persons attended and participated in the workshop.

     18 Drawing on the written comments received and the discussion at the workshop, the commission circulated draft rules for comment on December 19, 2005. The commission received no further comments or suggestions.

     19 NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE MAKING: The commission filed a notice of proposed rule making (CR-102) on January 18, 2006, at WSR 06-03-126, scheduling the matter for oral comment and adoption at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2006, in the Commission's Hearing Room, Second Floor, Chandler Plaza Building, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA. The notice provided interested persons the opportunity to submit written comments to the commission by February 8, 2006.

     20 COMMENTERS (WRITTEN COMMENTS): The commission received one written comment from Mr. Chris Herman urging that the proposed rule be adopted as soon as possible.

     21 RULE-MAKING HEARING: The commission considered the rule proposal for adoption, pursuant to the notice in WSR 06-03-126, at a rule-making hearing before Chairman Mark H. Sidran, Commissioner Patrick J. Oshie, and Commissioner Philip B. Jones. Mr. Tom DeBoer of Puget Sound Energy and Mr. Bruce Folsom of Avista Corporation testified in support of the proposed rule.

     22 COMMISSION ACTION: After considering all of the information regarding this proposal, the commission finds and concludes that it should adopt the rules in the CR-102 notice at WSR 06-03-126.

     23 CHANGES FROM PROPOSAL: The commission adopts the proposal noticed at WSR 06-03-126 with minor editorial changes, addition of a section of citations to standards and rules adopted by reference and clarification that any disputes arising under the rule will be addressed in accordance with chapter 480-07 WAC.

     24 STATEMENT OF ACTION; STATEMENT OF EFFECTIVE DATE: After reviewing the entire record, the commission determines that WAC 480-108-001, 480-108-005, 480-108-010, 480-108-020, 480-108-030, 480-108-040, 480-108-050, 480-108-060, and 480-108-999 should be adopted as set forth in Appendix A, as rules of the Washington utilities and transportation commission, to take effect pursuant to RCW 34.05.380(2) on the thirty-first day after filing with the code reviser.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 8, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 8, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

ORDER

     25 THE COMMISSION ORDERS:

     26 The commission adopts WAC 480-108-001, 480-108-005, 480-108-010, 480-108-020, 480-108-030, 480-108-040, 480-108-050, 480-108-060, and 480-108-999 as set forth in Appendix A, as rules of the Washington utilities and transportation commission, to take effect on the thirty-first day after the date of filing with the code reviser pursuant to RCW 34.05.380(2).

     27 This order and the rules set out below, after being recorded in the register of the Washington utilities and transportation commission, shall be forwarded to the code reviser for filing pursuant to chapters 80.01 and 34.05 RCW and chapter 1-21 WAC.

     DATED at Olympia, Washington, this 6th day of March, 2006.

Washington utilities and transportation commission

Mark H. Sidran, Chairman

Patrick J. Oshie, Commissioner

Philip B. Jones, Commissioner

OTS-8589.2

Chapter 480-108 WAC

ELECTRIC COMPANIES -- INTERCONNECTION WITH ELECTRIC GENERATORS


NEW SECTION
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.

     (2) These rules are intended to be consistent with the requirements of chapter 80.60 RCW, Net metering of electricity; to partially comply with Section 1254 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-58 (2005); and to promote the purposes of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5101, chapter 300, Laws of 2005 (effective July 1, 2005).

     (3) This chapter governs the terms and conditions under which the applicant's generating facility 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 generating facility.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 480-108-005   Application of rules.   (1) The rules in this chapter apply to any electrical company that is subject to the jurisdiction of the commission under RCW 80.04.010 and chapter 80.28 RCW. These rules also include various requirements applicable to the applicant and the generator.

     (2) 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. Electrical companies shall modify, if necessary, any existing tariffs, including, but 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) Disputes that arise under this chapter will be addressed in accordance with chapter 480-07 WAC.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 480-108-010   Definitions.   "Applicant" means any person, corporation, partnership, government agency, or other entity applying to interconnect a generating facility to the electrical company's electric system pursuant to this chapter.

     "Application" means the written notice as defined in WAC 480-108-030 provided by the applicant to the electrical company that initiates the interconnection process.

     "Certificate of completion" means the form as defined in WAC 480-108-050 completed by the applicant or generator and the electrical inspector having jurisdiction over the installation of the facilities indicating completion of installation and inspection of the interconnection.

     "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 that is located on the applicant's side of the point of common coupling, and all facilities ancillary and appurtenant thereto, including interconnection facilities, which the applicant 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.

     "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 used to interconnect a generating facility to the electric system.

     "Model interconnection agreement" means 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.

     "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.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 480-108-020   Technical standards for interconnection.   The technical standards listed in this section shall apply to all generating facilities to be interconnected to the electrical company under this chapter.

     (1) General interconnection requirements.

     (a) Any generating facility desiring to interconnect with the electrical company's electric system or modify an existing interconnection must meet all minimum technical specifications applicable, in their most current approved version, as set forth in this chapter.

     (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.

     (c) The specifications and requirements in this section shall apply generally to the nonelectrical company-owned electric generation equipment to which this standard and agreement(s) apply throughout the period encompassing the generator'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) The generator shall comply with the requirements in (d)(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 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 Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards, and local, state and federal building codes. The generator shall be responsible to obtain 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 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 be in compliance with all applicable standards including IEEE Standard 519-1992 Harmonic Limits.

     (2) Specific interconnection requirements.

     (a) Applicant shall furnish and install on applicant's side of the meter, a UL-approved safety disconnect switch which shall be capable of fully disconnecting the applicant's generating facility from electrical company's electric system. The disconnect switch shall be located adjacent to electrical company meters and shall be of the visible break type in a metal enclosure which can be secured by a padlock. The disconnect switch shall 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:

     (i) Applicant provides interconnection equipment that applicant can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of electrical company, performs 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.

     (c) The electrical company shall have the right to disconnect the generating facility at the disconnect switch under the following circumstances: When necessary to maintain safe electrical operating conditions; if the generating facility does not meet required standards; or 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 generating facility must be compatible to the electrical company system at the point of common coupling.

     (e) Applicant must provide evidence that its generation will never result in reverse current flow through the electrical company's network protectors. All instances of interconnection to secondary spot distribution networks shall require review and written preapproval by electrical company. Interconnection to distribution secondary grid networks is not allowed. Closed transition transfer switches are not allowed in secondary network distribution systems.

     (3) Specifications applicable to all inverter-based interconnections. Any inverter-based generating facility desiring to interconnect with the electrical company's electric system or modify an existing interconnection must meet the 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.

     (c) IEEE Standard 929, IEEE Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems.

     (4) Requirements applicable to all noninverter-based interconnections. Noninverter-based interconnection requests may require more detailed electrical company review, testing, and approval, at applicant cost, 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.

     (b) ANSI Standard C37.90, IEEE Standard for Relays and Relay Systems Associated with Electric Power Apparatus.

     (c) Applicants proposing such interconnection may also be required to submit a power factor mitigation plan for electrical company review and approval.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 480-108-030   Application for interconnection.   (1) When an applicant requests interconnection from an electrical company, the applicant shall be responsible for conforming to the rules and regulations that are in effect and on file with the commission. The electric utility will designate a point of contact and publish a telephone number or web site address for this unique purpose. The applicant seeking to interconnect a generating facility under these rules must fill out and submit a signed application form to the electrical company. Information must be accurate, complete, and approved by the electrical company prior to installing the generating facility. The electrical company shall file a form of application with the commission.

     (2) Application fees. The electrical company may require a nonrefundable interconnection application fee of no more than one hundred dollars.

     (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) 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.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 480-108-040   General terms and conditions of interconnection.   The general terms and conditions listed in this section shall apply to all generating facilities interconnecting to the electrical company under this chapter.

     (1) Any electrical generating facility with a maximum electrical generating capacity of 25 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 generating facilities that are intended to operate in parallel with an electrical company's electric system irrespective of whether the applicant intends to generate energy to serve all or a part of the applicant'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 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 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). The interconnection agreement between the electrical company and generator outlines the interconnection standards, cost allocation and billing agreements, and on-going maintenance and operation requirements.

     (4) Applicant or generator 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, 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 immediately disconnected from the electrical company system.

     (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 pay for all costs of the new transformer and related facilities.

     (7) Metering.

     (a) Net metering for solar, wind, hydropower and fuel cells as set forth in chapter 80.60 RCW: The electrical company shall 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. The applicant shall provide space for metering equipment. It will be the applicant's responsibility to provide the current transformer enclosure (if required), meter socket(s) and junction box after the applicant 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 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.

     (8) Common labeling furnished or approved by the electrical company and in accordance with NEC requirements must be posted on 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, for solar, wind, hydro or fuel cells, no additional insurance will be necessary. For other generating facilities permitted under these standards but not contained within 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 electrical company review and approval. 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.

     (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% of the electrical company's peak demand during 1996. Additionally, interconnection of generating facilities to individual distribution feeders will be limited to 10% of the feeder's peak capacity. However, the electrical company may, in its sole discretion, allow additional generation interconnection beyond these stated limits.

     (12) It is the responsibility of the generator to protect its facilities, loads and equipment and comply with the requirements of all appropriate standards, codes, statutes and authorities.

     (13) Charges by the electrical company to the applicant or generator in addition to the application fee, if any, will be compensatory and applied as appropriate. Such costs may include, but are not limited to, transformers, production meters, and electrical company testing, qualification, and approval of non-UL 1741 listed equipment. 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.

     (15) Generator may disconnect the generating facility at any time; provided, that the generator provide reasonable advance notice to the electrical company.

     (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.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 480-108-050   Certificate of completion.   All generating facilities must obtain an electrical permit and pass electrical inspection before they can be connected or operated in parallel with the electrical company's electric system. Generator shall provide to electrical company written certification that the generating facility has been installed and inspected in compliance with the local building and/or electrical codes.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 480-108-060   Required filings -- Exceptions.   (1) The electrical company shall file, as part of its tariff, and maintain on file for inspection at its place of business, the charges, terms and conditions for interconnections pursuant to this chapter. Such filing shall include model forms of the following documents and contracts:

     (a) Application.

     (b) Model interconnection agreement.

     (c) Certificate of completion.

     (2) The commission may grant such exceptions to these rules as may be appropriate in individual cases.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 480-108-999   Adoption by reference.   In this chapter, the commission adopts by reference all or portions of regulations and standards identified below. They are available for inspection at the commission branch of the Washington state library or as otherwise indicated. The publications, effective date, references within this chapter, and availability of the resources are as follows:

     (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) 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) 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) 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.

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