2.8. ERMUSR 05-14-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SCHEDULE 3-DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES INTERCONNECTION PROCESS Foreword The State of Minnesota currently has interconnection process standards in effect to address the interconnection of distributed energy resources (DER) to the distribution grid. Under Minnesota Statute §216B.1611, cooperatives and municipals shall adopt an interconnection process that addresses the same issues as the interconnection process approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The Elk River Municipal Utilities Distributed Energy Resources Interconnection Process (Interconnection Process) applies to any DER no larger than 10- megawatts (MW) AC interconnecting to and operating in parallel with Elk River Municipal Utility's distribution system in Minnesota. This interconnection process document is designed to be customer-centric when explaining the steps and details to interconnect DER systems to the distribution grid. The Interconnection Process is comprised of four manuals: 1) Process Overview, 2) Simplified Process, 3) Fast Track Process, and 4) Study Process and also contains several forms, including a final Interconnection Agreement. For the majority of DER interconnections, only the Process Overview and the Simplified Process manuals will apply. For larger and more complex DER interconnections, the Fast Track Process or the Study Process may apply. As part of the Interconnection Process, an Interconnection Agreement is to be executed prior to interconnecting a DER system to the utility distribution grid. For most DER interconnections, the utility's Contract for Cogeneration and Small Power Production Facilities (Uniform Contract) will be used. For DER systems that do not fall under the terms of the Uniform Contract, the Municipal Minnesota Interconnection Agreement (MMIA) will apply. The process to interconnect a DER system to the distribution grid starts with the submission of an Interconnection Application. Each track has different information that is requested in the application and the non-refundable interconnection application fees will vary. Both the electric utility and the interconnecting customer have timelines that are enforced to ensure a timely application review, contract execution and interconnection commissioning. The key to a successful interconnection of a DER system is communication between all parties. Timely submission of the Interconnection Application prior to the purchase and installation of a DER system is strongly recommended. The Utility encourages customers to ask questions throughout the interconnection process. Interconnecting DER system to the distribution grid is not an effortless process, but it does not need to be a problematic process either. 1 136