Interconnecting to the PG&E Electric Grid

Do you own or plan to develop a solar farm or non-solar generating facility? Are you interested in selling the power in excess of what you use to PG&E or on the open market via PG&E's distribution or transmission network? If so, you are considered a Wholesale Generator.

There are several types of Wholesale Generation projects:

• Distribution—projects that interconnect with PG&E’s distribution system at a voltage level below 60 kV over which the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has jurisdiction. These projects are governed by PG&E's Wholesale Distribution Tariff (WDT). View information on the Fast Track and Independent Study/Cluster Study interconnection processes.
• Transmission—projects that interconnect with PG&E's transmission system at a voltage level of 60 kV or higher. These projects are governed by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Tariff. View information on the Transmission interconnection process.
• Qualifying Facilities—facilities that interconnect with PG&E's transmission or distribution system, producing wind, hydroelectric, biomass, waste or geothermal energy. Qualifying facilities can also be cogeneration facilities that produce electricity and another form of thermal energy. View more information on Qualifying Facilities.

The Interconnection Process

For an overview of the Wholesale Distribution, view the Interconnection Process Flow.

For an overview of the Wholesale Transmission, view the Interconnection Process Flow .

Federal and State Regulations

Interconnection is the physical connection that allows the electric generator and the utility system to interoperate. Regardless of your Wholesale Generation category, you'll need an interconnection agreement with PG&E to meet federal and state regulations. The reasons for this are:

• Safety—All electrical generating systems are potentially dangerous if they are not operated properly. If your system connects to PG&E's electric grid, safeguards for protecting you, our personnel and other customers must be in place.
• Reliability—PG&E must be able to meet our customers' expectation that power is always available when needed. If a fault or trip occurs on a customer's generation system, we must be able to isolate the problem so other customers can continue to enjoy reliable power.
• Government regulation—The Federal Government and State of California require the interconnection agreement.

How PG&E Purchases Power

To help meet customer demand, PG&E purchases wholesale electric energy and capacity from generators and suppliers. Find out how PG&E purchases power from wholesale generators >>

PG&E is Here to Help

PG&E's Electric Generation Interconnection (EGI) team offers outreach and education to customers, contractors, developers and local governments about the interconnection process. We’re here to help you manage the process to ensure a safe, reliable interconnection to the PG&E electrical system:

If you're just starting down the path of wholesale generation, this website is a great place to learn about interconnection and find links to information about the different wholesale generation categories.

To contact an EGI representative, email wholesalegen@pge.com.