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SCHEDULE 3—INTERCONNECTION PROCESS,TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS,AND OPERATING PROCEDURES <br /> State of Minnesota <br /> Interconnection Process for <br /> Distributed Generation Systems <br /> Introduction <br /> This document has been prepared to explain the process established in the State of Minnesota, <br /> to interconnect a Generation System with the Area Electrical Power System (Area EPS). This <br /> document covers the interconnection process for all types of Generation Systems which are rated <br /> 10MW's or less of total generation Nameplate Capacity; are planned for interconnection with the <br /> Area EPS's Distribution System; are not intended for wholesale transactions and aren't <br /> anticipated to affect the transmission system. This document does not discuss the <br /> interconnection Technical Requirements, which are covered in the "State of Minnesota <br /> Distributed Generation Interconnection Requirements" document. This other interconnection <br /> requirements document also provides definitions and explanations of the terms utilized within this <br /> document. To interconnect a Generation System with the Area EPS, there are several steps that <br /> must be followed. This document outlines those steps and the Parties' responsibilities. At any <br /> point in the process, if there are questions, please contact the Generation Interconnection <br /> Coordinator at the Area EPS. Since this document has been developed to provide an <br /> interconnection process which covers a very diverse range of Generation Systems, the process <br /> appears to be very involved and cumbersome. For many Generation Systems the process is <br /> streamlined and provides an easy path for interconnection. <br /> The promulgation of interconnection standards for Generation Systems by the Minnesota Public <br /> Utilities Commission (MPUC) must be done in the context of a reasonable interpretation of the <br /> boundary between state and federal jurisdiction. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission <br /> (FERC) has asserted authority in the area, at least as far as interconnection at the transmission <br /> level is concerned. This, however, leaves open the question of jurisdiction over interconnection <br /> at the distribution level. The Midwest Independent System Operator's (MISO) FERC Electric <br /> Tariff, (first revised volume 1, August 23,2001)Attachment R(Generator Interconnection <br /> Procedures and Agreement) states in section 2.1 that"Any existing or new generator connecting <br /> at transmission voltages, sub-transmission voltages, or distribution voltages, planning to engage <br /> in the sale for resale of wholesale energy, capacity, or ancillary services requiring transmission <br /> service under the Midwest ISO OATT must apply to the Midwest ISO for interconnection service". <br /> Further in section 2.4 it states that"A Generator not intending to engage in the sale of wholesale <br /> energy, capacity, or ancillary services under the Midwest ISO OATT, that proposes to <br /> interconnect a new generating facility to the distribution system of a Transmission Owner or local <br /> distribution utility interconnected with the Transmission System shall apply to the Transmission <br /> Owner or local distribution utility for interconnection". It goes on further to state"Where facilities <br /> under the control of the Midwest ISO are affected by such interconnection, such interconnections <br /> may be subject to the planning and operating protocols of the Midwest ISO...." <br /> Through discussions with MISO personnel and as a practical matter, if the Generation System <br /> Nameplate Capacity is not greater in size than the minimum expected load on the distribution <br /> substation, that is feeding the proposed Generation System, and Generation System's energy is <br /> not being sold on the wholesale market, then that installation may be considered as not <br /> "affecting"the transmission system and the interconnection may be considered as governed by <br /> this process. If the Generation System will be selling energy on the wholesale market or the <br /> Generation System's total Nameplate Capacity is greater than the expected distribution <br /> substation minimum load, then the Applicant shall contact MISO (Midwest Independent System <br /> Operator) and follow their procedures. <br /> Interconnection Process for Distributed Generates Systems <br />