Wholesale Generator Interconnections

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Here are the procedures for new wholesale generators. This page was last updated April 2007.

New wholesale generators are divided into 3 interconnection procedures depending on the size of the generator and whether it will interconnect with the transmission or distribution system.

Generators over 20 megawatts (mw) interconnecting to the transmission system follow the Large Generator Interconnection Procedures (LGIP).

Generators 20 mw and under interconnecting to the transmission system follow the Small Generator Interconnection Procedures (SGIP) for Transmission.

Generators 20 mw and under interconnecting to the distribution system follow the Small Generator Interconnection Procedures (SGIP) for Distribution.

If your generating facility will require gas service

Please review the Gas Generator Connection page to assure that the appropriate information is provided to the utility to assist you in obtaining a natural gas connection for new generators that require transmission pressure (60 psig and greater).

Qualifying Facilities (QFs)

QFs converting to merchant (wholesale) status will need to complete several steps before they can sell power to the market or to a third party. Please review the QF conversion process.

The Large Generator Interconnection Procedures (LGIP)

The California Independent System Operator Corp. (California ISO) manages the LGIP. On their Generator Interconnection Process page you will find the LGIP Application request form. Applicants should also read and understand the LGIP, which sets forth the requirements for interconnection as well as the roles and responsibilities of all the parties involved. The Application and initial deposit(s) must be submitted to the California ISO. Here is a brief outline of the Large Generator Interconnection Procedure:

1. Application Submitted
2. Scoping Meeting
3. Feasibility Study
4. System Impact Study
5. Facilities Study
6. Large Generator Interconnection Agreement
7. Construction Phase
8. Testing/Inspection

Some studies may have to be repeated if you change your generator design or if another project due to interconnect before yours changes its design or withdraws.

The Small Generator Interconnection Procedures for Transmission System Interconnections (Transmission SGIP)

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the Transmission SGIP.

According to SGIP Transmission, applicants must first submit their applications to the California ISO. Generators 20 mw and under interconnecting to the transmission system follow the Small Generator Interconnection Procedures (DOC, 360 KB) (SGIP) for Transmission.

The Small Generator Interconnection Procedures for Distribution System Interconnections (Distribution SGIP)

PG&E handles the interconnection procedure for small generators (20 megawatts or less) interconnecting with the distribution system. New applicants for interconnection under this procedure should follow the procedures and forms in Attachment E of the Wholesale Distribution Tariff (WDT) (PDF, 434 KB).

There are 3 application interconnection procedures available under this Tariff:

• The "10 kW Inverter Procedure" for small generators 10kW and under in size that pass the "Screens" given in section 2.2 of Attachment E of the WDT.
• The "Fast Track Procedure" for generators under 2 megawatts in size that pass the "Screens" given in section 2.2 of Attachment E of the WDT.
• The "Study Procedure" for all generators 20 megawatts and under in size including those that do not qualify for the "Fast Track Procedure" and the "10 kW Inverter Procedure."

The application form for both the "Fast Track Procedure" and the "Study Procedure" is Attachment 2 within Attachment E of the WDT. The application form for the "10 kW Inverter Procedure" is in Attachment 5 within Attachment E of the WDT. All the application procedures require an application fee to start the procedure. The fee amount depends on the procedure and is given on the application forms.

Applications for Distribution SGIP only should be mailed to:

PG&E
Attention: Generation Interconnection Services
Mail Code N7L
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, CA 94177

Contact Us

Our email is gen@pge.com. You can also leave a message at 415-972-5676 to speak with a project manager.