Non-export interconnection
Non-export interconnection is available to all types of generator technologies and sizes where one of the following is true:
- A reverse-power protection device will be installed.
- An under-power protection device will be installed.
- The generating facility interconnection equipment has been certified as non-islanding, and the incidental export of power will be limited by the design of the interconnection.
- The gross nameplate rating of the generating facility will not exceed 50 percent of the minimum electrical load of the host customer's facility over the previous 12 months.
- The generating facility completely offsets the facility load by being both (a) optimally sized to meet its peak demand with load following functionality on the generator controls, and (b) ensuring conditional (inadvertent) export of electric power from the generation facility to the distribution provider's distribution or transmission system, occurring no more frequently than twice in any 24-hour period. Also, the exports are greater than two seconds, but no more than 60 seconds. If this option is selected, option 1 or 2, above, will also be required.
How to apply
Prior to interconnecting generation projects to PG&E's distribution system, an interconnection application must be submitted, including some or all of the following documents:
| Item Requested | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|
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PG&E Interconnection Portal provides PG&E with important customer, contractor and system equipment information about the project. |
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Single-Line Diagram |
Single-line diagram shows applicable equipment (generating units, step-up transformers, auxiliary transformers, switches/disconnects and required protection devices/circuit breakers). |
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Variance Request |
The customer or customer's contractor can request a variance from PG&E if the project is unable to meet the requirements described in the Distribution Interconnection Handbook and Greenbook. |
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Customer-Owned Telemetry or PG&E Installed Telemetry |
Project’s with a net generation capacity of 1MW or greater require telemetry per section J.5 of the Rule 21 tariff. PG&E is now offering interconnection customers the option of using their own telemetry solution using one of PG&E’s approved device or aggregator vendors. More information can be found in our intro/FAQ document on the Distribution Interconnection Handbook page. |
Interconnection requirements
The following items are required in order for PG&E to issue written permission to operate a generating facility:
| Item Requested | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|
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Interconnection agreement form is a legal contract between PG&E and the customer outlining each party's responsibilities. PG&E will prepare the agreement for the customer's signature upon completion of the engineering review process. |
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Signed-Off Building Permit |
Completed permit indicates that the finished project has been inspected and approved by the local building authority. |
Costs and other considerations
The following interconnection study fees will apply:
| Meter Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
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$800 |
Interconnection Request Fee |
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$2,500 |
Supplemental Review Fee (if project fails Initial Review) |
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$10,000 |
Detailed Study Refundable Deposit (if project fails Supplemental Review or applies directly to Detailed Study) for generating facility 5MW or less |
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$50,000 plus $1,000 per MW of electrical output |
Detailed Study Refundable Deposit (if project fails Supplemental Review or applies directly to Detailed Study) for generating facility greater than 5MW |
Standby charges will apply to non-export interconnections, except for solar photovoltaic (PV) generating systems under 1MW.
Departing load will apply to non-export generating facilities that are:
- Not NEM eligible
- Over 1MW in size
Non-export interconnections that utilize non-export relays will require a pre-parallel inspection as described in the Transmission Interconnection Handbook, Section G5.