Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-45.8

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

Rule 199-45.8 - Level 1 expedited review

A utility shall use the Level 1 interconnection review procedures for an interconnection request that meet the requirements specified in subrule 45.7(1). A utility may not impose additional requirements on Level 1 reviews that are not specifically authorized under this rule or rule 199-45.3(476) unless the applicant agrees.

(1) The utility shall evaluate the potential for adverse system impacts using the following screens, which shall be satisfied:

a. For interconnection of a proposed distributed generation facility to a radial distribution circuit, the total distributed generation connected to the distribution circuit, including the proposed distributed generation facility, may not exceed 15 percent of the maximum load normally supplied by the distribution circuit.

b. For interconnection within a spot network, the distributed generation facility must use a minimum import relay or other protective scheme that will ensure that power imported from the utility to the network will, during normal utility operations, remain above 1 percent of the network's maximum load over the past year, or will remain above a point reasonably set by the utility in good faith. At the utility's discretion, the requirement for minimum import relays or other protective schemes may be waived and alternative screening criteria may be applied.

c. When a proposed distributed generation facility is to be interconnected on a single-phase shared secondary line, the aggregate generation capacity on the shared secondary line, including the proposed distributed generation facility, shall not exceed 20 kVA.

d. When a proposed distributed generation facility is single-phase and is to be interconnected on a center tap neutral of a 240-volt service, its addition may not create an imbalance between the two sides of the 240-volt service of more than 20 percent of the nameplate rating of the service transformer.

e. The utility shall not be required to construct any facilities on its own system to accommodate the distributed generation facility's interconnection.

(2) The Level 1 interconnection shall use the following procedures:

a. The applicant shall submit an interconnection request using the Level 1 Interconnection Request Application form and Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement along with the Level 1 application fee.

b. Within seven business days after receipt of the interconnection request, the utility shall inform the applicant whether the interconnection request is complete. If the request is incomplete, the utility shall specify what information is missing and the applicant has ten business days after receiving notice from the utility to provide the missing information or the interconnection request shall be deemed withdrawn.

c. Within 15 business days after the utility notifies the applicant that its interconnection request is complete, the utility shall verify whether the distributed generation facility passes all the relevant Level 1 screens.

d. If the utility determines and demonstrates that a distributed generation facility does not pass all relevant Level 1 screens, the utility shall provide a letter to the applicant explaining the reasons that the facility did not pass the screens.

e. Otherwise, the utility shall approve the interconnection request and provide to the applicant a signed version of the standard Conditional Agreement to Interconnect Distributed Generation Facility in the Level 1 Interconnection Request Application form and Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement subject to the following conditions:

(1) The distributed generation facility has been approved by local or municipal electric code officials with jurisdiction over the interconnection;

(2) The Certificate of Completion form has been returned to the utility. Completion of local inspections may be designated on inspection forms used by local inspecting authorities;

(3) The witness test has either been successfully completed or waived by the utility in accordance with Section (2)(c)(ii) of the Terms and Conditions for Interconnection in the Level 1 Interconnection Request Application form and Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement; and

(4) The applicant has signed the standard Conditional Agreement to Interconnect Distributed Generation Facility in the Level 1 Interconnection Request Application form and Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement. When an applicant does not sign the agreement within 30 business days after receipt of the agreement from the utility, the interconnection request is deemed withdrawn unless the applicant requests to have the deadline extended for no more than 15 business days. An initial request for extension shall not be denied by the utility, but subsequent requests may be denied.

f. If a distributed generation facility is not approved under a Level 1 review and the utility's reasons for denying Level 1 status are not subject to dispute, the applicant may submit a new interconnection request for consideration under Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 procedures. The date of the completed Level 1 interconnection request shall be retained and shall be used to determine the review order position for subsequent Level 2 to 4 applications, provided the request is made by the applicant within 15 business days after notification that the Level 1 interconnection request is denied.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-45.8

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

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