Electric Generation Interconnection (EGI)

EGI Wholesale Distribution & Rule 21 Export Applications

"Your Projects," hosted by Building and Renovation Services Online, is the new application system that replaces the interim Generator Interconnection Request online forms for Electric Generation Interconnection (EGI) export customers. "Your Projects" offers new and improved features that make it simple and intuitive to submit Generator Interconnection Request applications for Wholesale Distribution (Attachment 2) and Rule 21 Export (Form 79-1145) customers.

It's easy: Submit your application anytime. You will receive a confirmation message that contains your application number.

PG&E strongly recommends preparing all information and materials before starting the online application; a Getting Started Guide has been prepared to assist you with this process. If the Interconnection Request is missing information or documents required to begin the generator interconnection process, PG&E will accept the application, but will deem it incomplete. PG&E will provide a written list of deficiencies to the designated representative provided in your request. Failure to submit subsequent information pursuant to the Wholesale Distribution (PDF, 1.7 MB) or Rule 21 (PDF, 7.5 MB) tariff will result in the withdrawal of the Interconnection Request.

For questions concerning PG&E's generator interconnection application process, please contact the Electric Generator Interconnection Department at wholesalegen@pge.com or rule21gen@pge.com.

Rule 21 Distribution Group Study Application Window

In accordance with PG&E's Rule 21 generator interconnection procedures, PG&E will open a Distribution Group Study (DGS) Application Window within the following schedule:

*Application windows occur at the same time each year.

Interconnection Requests to be studied under the Distribution Group Study Process (PDF, 919 KB) shall either be (a) an Independent Study Process Interconnection Request that passed screen Q and failed Screen R for which the Applicant elects to continue to the next available Distribution Group Study, or (b) an Interconnection Request submitted during a Distribution Group Study Application window that passes Screen Q. Please refer to the Rule 21 link above for a description of Screens R and Q.

New Interconnection Requests for the Rule 21 Independent Study Process will NOT be accepted during the Distribution Group Study application window dates listed above.

Pursuant to California Public Utilities Commission Decision (D.) 19-03-103, PG&E has expanded the existing Screen Q exemption for net energy metering (NEM) facilities with net export less than or equal to 500 kilowatts (kW) by increasing the exemption size threshold to all NEM and inverter-based non-NEM projects with 1 Megavolt Amperes (MVA) or less nameplate capacity.

For projects that fail the Electrical Independence Test, PG&E may perform additional engineering analyses to determine the need for Reliability Network Upgrades, and in addition PG&E will:

1. List all generation projects in the current queue that are adjacent to the proposed project.
2. If current base-case is not complete, use last approved cluster base-case.
3. If a cluster is ongoing, with Reliability Network Upgrades (RNUs) not yet finalized, compare pre-project base-case and post-project base-case loading, when necessary, to determine if there is/are any potential Network Upgrade(s) required.
4. If a cluster is ongoing, with RNUs finalized, compare pre-project base-case and post-project base-case with RNUs considered and determine if the subject interconnection request triggers a change in scope for that RNU.
5. Consult with the CAISO as necessary

Rule 21 to Wholesale Distribution Tariff Conversion Process Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The below information was created on 11/10/2020 and is subject to regulatory change

FAQ:

Which Rule 21 (R21) projects qualify for the switch to the Wholesale Distribution Tariff (WDT) process?

R21 projects connecting to the PG&E distribution system that have received their study results in cases where the customer cannot procure a Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with PG&E and/or cannot receive Qualifying Facility (QF) certification from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) (form 556) they must transition from R21 to WDT if they want to continue interconnecting their project to the PG&E system. Rule 21 projects that do not meet above criteria may voluntarily elect to sign a WDT Interconnection Agreement.

What is the window during which I may switch from the R21 process to the WDT generator interconnection agreement process?

The Interconnection Customer (IC) may request to move to a WDT Generator Interconnection Agreement (GIA) at any time between the start of the R21 GIA process and final PPI for the project.

How do I request to make the switch from the R21 to the WDT process?

The IC must submit a written / email to the assigned R21 Interconnection Manager (IM) requesting to switch to a WDT interconnection agreement and subsequent interconnection construction and testing processes.

Can I return to the R21 process after switching to the WDT process?

No. Once the IC has made the switch to a WDT interconnection agreement, the IC may not return to the R21 process without withdrawing and reapplying.

What are the costs associated with switching from the R21 process to the WDT process?

At present, there are no costs to implement the decision to switch from a R21 GIA to a WDT GIA, though the development of the WDT GIA will require an additional ninety (90) CD period to complete.

However, R21 ICs should note that under the WDT, ICs are financially responsible for reclose blocking costs.  If reclose blocking is needed as an interconnection mitigation for the project, the costs for that mitigation will be added to the new WDT GIA as an additional customer expense. If reclose blocking is needed for the project, this also will impact the final Cost of Ownership calculations for the project.

Please check with the WDT IM during the transition to confirm any changes to your project cost and Cost of Ownership responsibilities.

How will the schedule be impacted by switching from the R21 process to the WDT process?

The WDT GIA will take an additional 90 CD to execute once the IC requests the transition, adding to the time needed to start and finish the construction and testing processes. To account for this additional time to negotiate and execute the new WDT GIA, any prior construction and testing milestones from the R21 GIA will be recalculated as the WDT GIA is negotiated with the IC.

What other actions are needed to complete the transition from the R21 tariff to the WDT?

In order to close out the IC responsibilities under the R21 tariff, the R21 IM will work with the IC to complete all outstanding study reconciliations and preliminary financial security postings required under the R21 tariff. These reconciliations and preliminary financial security postings (as needed) must be completed before the new WDT GIA is executed. The final financial security responsibilities will be completed after the new WDT GIA is executed.

Can I receive my PTO letter before completing the conversion to the WDT GIA?

No, you must complete the conversion to WDT GIA prior to receiving PTO.