Distribution & Interconnection Process

Introduction to Distributed Generation

Small scale generating technologies (e.g. solar, wind, CHP, hydro or newer technologies) that are connected to the electric power grid are identified as Distributed Generation (DG). DG systems allow customers to produce some or all of the electricity they need. The electricity a customer uses (e.g. for HVAC, consumer electronics, lights) is their electric load. By generating a portion or all of the electricity a customer uses, the customer can effectively reduce their electric load.

In general, DG systems produce power for the buildings which the systems are connected to (e.g. solar panels on a home or business). Renewable DG systems are able to provide power with minimal impact on the environment. However, most renewable DG systems only produce power when their energy source, such as wind or sunlight, is available. Due to the intermittency of the power supply from DG systems, there may be times when the customer needs to receive electricity from the utility company’s electric grid. When a DG system produces more power than the customer’s load, excess power is sent back to the utility company’s electric grid. This reduces the overall load that the utility company needs to supply.

Interconnection

The Maine Public Utilities Commission has issued rules and procedures for Small Generator Interconnections under Chapter 324.  These rules and procedures establish statewide standards for the interconnection of small renewable energy facilities to the energy grid.  The purpose of these rules and procedures is to increase the efficiency of the interconnection process and encourage the increased use of renewable energy and distributed generation. Please refer to the MPUC's Chapter 324, Small Generator Interconnection Standards for more information.

Levels of Interconnection Facilities

Level 1- Certified, Inverter-Based Generating Facilities Not Greater than 25 kW (i.e. Rooftop solar). The T&D Utility shall adopt procedures in accordance with § 9 of Chapter 324 for this level of review.

Level 2 - For certified generating facilities that pass certain specified screens and have a power rating of two megawatts (2MW) or less. The T&D Utility shall adopt procedures in accordance with § 10 of Chapter 324 for this level of review.

Level 3 - For certified generating facilities that: (a) pass certain specified screens; (b) do not export power beyond the Point of Common Coupling; and (c) have a power rating of ten megawatts (10MW) or less. The T&D Utility shall adopt procedures in accordance with § 11 for this level of review.

Level 4 - For all generating facilities that do not qualify for Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 interconnection review processes, and are not subject to the jurisdiction of FERC. The T&D Utility shall adopt procedures in accordance with § 12 for this level of review.

Application Fees

Level	Nameplate Rating	Application Fee
Level 1	Inverter-Based Generators Not Greater than 25KW	$100
Level 2	Generators Not Greater than 2MW	$100 plus $2.00/KW
Level 3	Non-Exporting Generators Not Greater than 10MW	$100 plus $3.00/KW
Level 4	All Generators Not Subject to FERC Jurisdiction	$3,000 plus $500 change fee

Interconnection Process

• An Applicant shall submit a completed Interconnection application and the applicable application fee. 
  
• Site Control Documentation- Applicants with an Interconnection Request for a Level 4 interconnection must submit documentation of Site Control
  
• Certificate of Completion to be completed and sent to utility prior to interconnection approval.
  
• Versant Power will inspect generating facilities that are 25 KW or larger, and reserves the right to inspect smaller facilities, prior to the system going live.

Distribution Interconnection Queue

Distribution Interconnection Queue

The Queue Position of each Interconnection Request will be used to determine the order of interconnection review in those circumstances where one pending interconnection application could affect the analysis of other pending interconnection applications as well as any cost responsibility for the facilities necessary to accommodate the generator interconnection. Queue Position is based on the date of receipt of a completed application.

• Distribution Interconnection Queue
  
• Distribution Interconnection Queue – BHD
• Distribution Interconnection Queue – MPD
• For projects in northern Maine, please review NMISA's Market Rules to learn requirements for interconnections and scheduling

New Inverter Source Requirement

• All inverter-based applications shall be certified per the requirements of UL 1741 SB as a grid support utility interactive inverter.
  
• Applications shall have the voltage and frequency trip points specified in Tables I and II of the Requirement Document (below).
  
• The inverters shall have the ride-through capability per abnormal performance category II of IEEE Std 1547-2018 (2nd ed.) as quoted in Tables III and IV of the Requirement Document.
  
• Other functions required by UL 1741 SB shall comply with the requirements specified in Table V of the Requirement Document. For functions not activated by default, the inverter is compliant if tested to the manufacturers stated capability.

Pre-Application Process

Some Applicants may request a pre-application report prior to submitting an interconnection application.  The results of this report will be included in your application package. To initiate your application, click here: Versant Power Pre-Application Report Request.