Analysis of Publicly Available Distribution-Level Interconnection Data

Understanding the quality, accessibility, and transparency of the data as well as its potential usefulness.

The demand for distributed energy resources (DERs) is growing dramatically in response to funding incentives and decarbonization goals. In this white paper, Cadmus explores the availability of information regarding the process, timeline, and costs associated with interconnecting these resources to the distribution-level grid across all 50 states—information that can help facilitate the further deployment of small-scale renewables. Commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X), the white paper is a companion to the i2X webinar.

Download the white paper: Analysis of Publicly Available Distribution-Level Interconnection Data

Key findings include:

• Information about the distribution-level interconnection process is publicly-available in all 50 states, but it is frequently unclear and often provides little detail about what to expect.
• Only six states provide detailed and frequently-updated project-level interconnection queue data at the distribution level.
• Detailed, project-level interconnection cost data is made publicly available for roughly 1% of projects in New York State; otherwise, it was not found. However, some information regarding defined costs (such as application fees and cost regulation rules) was found across 43 states.

Based on these findings, Cadmus developed the following best practices:

• Clear, easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions about how to complete the interconnection process —and the costs and timeframes that may be encountered—should be made publicly available. FAQs, guidance documents, and points of contact can be provided to share more detailed technical information.
• Whenever possible, detailed distribution-level interconnection timeline and cost data should be made publicly available. Queue information should be provided in a downloadable format with standardized fields on project specifications, queue status, and dates when key milestones are achieved, and should be updated on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Cost data should include average historical or project-specific costs.
• The format and organization of interconnection data should facilitate its use by developers and other end users, with data fields that are standardized, sortable, and searchable.
• Resources should be provided by states and utilities so that developers, homeowners, and project owners can seek additional information and support as needed. This could include FAQs, guidance documents, or an online form that people can use to request help.
• Available information should be shared via a single landing page or “one stop shop” within each state. Aggregating the available information in one place facilitates its use by homeowners, project developers, and investors; it also facilitates transparency and oversight from policymakers, the media, and others.

State regulators can implement these best practices by setting requirements that utilities and other stakeholders must comply with. Such implementation will reduce the uncertainty associated with distribution-level interconnection—reducing its cost—and help identify and justify further reforms that may facilitate the deployment of new, small-scale renewable generation.

About Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X)

The mission of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) is to enable a simpler, faster and fairer interconnection of clean energy resources while enhancing the reliability, resiliency, and security of the U.S. electric grid.