Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-45.5

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 5, September 4, 2024

Rule 199-45.5 - General requirements

(1) When an interconnection request for a distributed generation facility includes multiple energy production devices at a site for which the applicant seeks a single point of interconnection, the interconnection request shall be evaluated on the basis of the aggregate nameplate capacity of the multiple devices.

(2) When an interconnection request is for an increase in capacity for an existing distributed generation facility, the interconnection request shall be evaluated on the basis of the new total nameplate capacity of the distributed generation facility.

(3) The utility shall designate a point of contact and provide contact information on the utility's website. The point of contact shall be able to direct applicant questions concerning interconnection request submissions and the interconnection request process to knowledgeable individuals within the utility.

(4) The information that the utility makes available to potential applicants can include previously existing utility studies that help applicants understand whether it is feasible to interconnect a distributed generation facility at a particular point on the utility's electric distribution system. However, the utility can refuse to provide the information to the extent that providing it violates security requirements or confidentiality agreements, or is contrary to state or federal law. In appropriate circumstances, the utility may require a confidentiality agreement prior to release of this information.

(5) When an interconnection request is deemed complete by the utility, any modification that is not agreed to by the utility requires submission of a new interconnection request.

(6) The applicant shall provide, upon utility request, proof of the applicant's legal right to control the site(s). Site control may be demonstrated through:

a. Ownership of, a leasehold interest in, or a right to develop a site for the purpose of constructing, the distributed generation facility;

b. An option to purchase or acquire a leasehold site for such purpose; or

c. Exclusivity or other business relationship between the interconnection customer and the entity having the right to sell, lease, or grant the interconnection customer the right to possess or occupy a site for such purpose.

(7) To minimize the cost to interconnect multiple distributed generation facilities, the utility or the applicant may propose a single point of interconnection for multiple distributed generation facilities located at an interconnection customer site that is on contiguous property. If the applicant rejects the utility's proposal for a single point of interconnection, the applicant shall pay any additional cost to provide a separate point of interconnection for each distributed generation facility. If the utility, without written technical explanation, rejects the customer's proposal for a single point of interconnection, the utility shall pay any additional cost to provide separate points of interconnection for each distributed generation facility.

(8) Any metering required for a distributed generation interconnection shall be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the utility's metering rules and inspection and testing practices defined in 199-Chapter 20. Any such metering requirements shall be identified in the Level 1 Interconnection Request Application form and Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement or the Levels 2 to 4 Distributed Generation Interconnection Request Agreement executed between the interconnection customer and the utility.

(9) Utility requirements for monitoring and control of distributed generation facilities are permitted only when the nameplate capacity rating is greater than 1 MVA. Monitoring and control requirements shall be reasonable, consistent with the utility's published requirements, and shall be clearly identified in the interconnection agreement between the interconnection customer and the utility. Transfer trip shall not be considered utility monitoring and control when required and installed to protect the electric distribution system or an affected system against adverse system impacts.

(10) The utility may require a witness test after the distributed generation facility is constructed. The applicant shall provide the utility with at least 15 business days' notice of the planned commissioning test for the distributed generation facility. The applicant and utility shall schedule the witness test at a mutually agreeable time. If the witness test results are not acceptable to the utility, the applicant shall be granted 30 business days to address and resolve any deficiencies. The time period for addressing and resolving any deficiencies may be extended upon the mutual agreement of the utility and the applicant prior to the end of the 30 business days. An initial request for extension shall not be denied by the utility; subsequent requests may be denied. If the applicant fails to address and resolve the deficiencies to the utility's satisfaction, the interconnection request shall be deemed withdrawn. Even if the utility or an entity approved by the utility does not witness a commissioning test, the applicant remains obligated to satisfy the interconnection test specifications and requirements set forth in IEEE Standard 1547, Section 11. The applicant shall, if requested by the utility, provide a copy of all documentation in its possession regarding testing conducted pursuant to IEEE Standard 1547.1.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-45.5

ARC 8859B, lAB 6/16/10, effective 7/21/10

Amended by IAB January 18, 2017/Volume XXXIX, Number 15, effective 2/22/2017

Amended by IAB August 28, 2019/Volume XLII, Number 5, effective 10/2/2019