Distributed Generation

Introduction

The Distribution Interconnection Handbook contains the requirements on how to interconnect generating facilities or distributed generation (DG) to Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) electrical distribution lines. This page also includes supporting documents and addendums to the handbook, which describes additional technical requirements which may not be in the handbook.

 

Table of Contents

DIH Manual:

• Handbook – Sections 1-5 (PDF, 600 KB) (All of the interconnection requirements in each section of this entire manual has undergone an extensive review and is currently updated with the latest information as of May 15, 2017)

Technical Documents:

• TD-1013B-001 Direct Transfer Trip 900 MHz Radio Scheme (PDF, 1.5 MB) (This bulletin provides information for the installation of 900MHz spread spectrum radio scheme for Direct Transfer Trip (DTT) between two existing substations.)
• TD-2306B-002 Distributed Generation Protection Requirements (PDF, 781 KB) (This document provides updated protection requirements, when interconnecting Distributed Generation (DG) to non-dedicated distribution circuits, reducing the need for Direct Transfer Trip (DTT) schemes.)
• TD-2306B-003 Functionally Equivalent Non-Import Configuration Testing Requirements (PDF, 380 KB) (This document outlines the scope, application, and specific steps for the testing procedure to demonstrate that the energy storage device paired with a NEM eligible generator cannot charge from the grid via a method other than utilizing a physical non-import relay.)
• TD-2999B-030 Technical Requirements for Electric Service Interconnection at Primary Distribution Voltages (PDF, 357 KB) (The document specifies the technical requirements for all customers requesting electric service at one of PG&E's primary distribution voltages. This includes generation only customers with no load or minimal load.)
• TD-2306B-001 Interconnecting Large 2-20MW Generation Systems (PDF, 51 KB) (This document provides clarifications, updates and criteria to this handbook to address interconnecting large (2 - 20MW) generation at distribution voltages.)
• TD-6999B-048 Requirements for Line Side Interconnections for Distributed Generation (PDF, 101 KB) (This bulletin describes requirements for any line (supply) side tap interconnections performed on 0-600 Volt meter panels and switchboards.)
• DG Technical White Paper (PDF, 1.45 MB) (This document is an addendum to this handbook, it describes some of recent technical requirements which are not in the handbook.)
• 094673 Distributed Generation Interconnection Requirements - Low Voltage Distribution Secondary Spot and Grid Networks (PDF, 405 KB) (This document provides the requirements for connecting Distributed Generation to the Low Voltage Distribution Secondary Spot and Grid Network on the PG&E system in San Francisco and Oakland.)
• IEEE 2030.5 Common California IOU Rule 21 Implementation Guide for Smart Inverters (PDF, 607 KB) (This guide serves to assist manufacturers, DER operators, system integrators and DER aggregators to implement the Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP) for California.)

Distribution System Engineering Numbered Documents:

• 053318 Pad-Mounted, Load-Break Switches and Fuses (PDF, 270 KB)
• 053826 Requirements for Distribution Feeder With Synchronous Generating Equipment (PDF, 66 KB)
• 058779 Pole-Mounted Primary Metering Installation, (12 or 21 kV Line) (PDF, 182 KB)
• 060559 Disconnect Switch Requirements For Distributed Generation Customers (PDF, 128 KB)
• 066195 25 kV Underarm Side-Break Switch, Manual and Automated (PDF, 1.5 MB)

Single Line Drawing Examples:

• Expanded ENET (PDF, 91 KB)
• Rule 21 Example (PDF, 65 KB)

Approved Equipment:

• Cross Reference for Safety Switches - Eaton (PDF, 85 KB)
• Cross Reference for Safety Switches - Siemens (PDF, 1.7 MB)
• Primary Voltage Disconnect Switches (PDF, 18 KB) (This document lists the PG&E approved disconnect switches (2,400 - 25,000 volts) for Customer Generation Sources.)
• Eligible Inverters
• List of Incentive Eligible Photovoltaic Modules

Transmission Interconnection Handbook Documents:

(Various requirements in these documents generally apply to generation entities interconnected to the distribution system as well as the transmission system)

• Appendix F - Telemetering & Transfer Trip (PDF, 622 KB)
• Appendix M - Interconnection Data Sheet (PDF, 125 KB)
• Appendix Q - Generator Automatic Synchronizers (PDF, 189 KB)
• Appendix R - Generator Protective Relay Requirements (PDF, 286 KB)

Substation Engineering Numbered Documents:

• 034851 Steel Grating Type Switch Operating Platforms (PDF, 298 KB)
• 063436 Electric Revenue High-Voltage Metering (PDF, 265 KB)
• 067910 Grounding Requirements for Outdoor Electrical Substations(PDF, 786 KB)

PG&E Electric Distribution Glossary:

• Glossary (PDF, 266 KB)

Webpage Updates:

• Change Log (PDF, 84 KB) (This document provides a history of updates to this webpage along with a brief description of the changes.)