Washington approves revised interconnection procedures.
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Press Release Summary:
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission issued final order approving significant revisions to state's interconnection rules. Revised rules mark 3 advances that were recommended or supported by IREC: (1) definition of "interconnection customer" now clarifies that net-metered systems can be owned by third-party; (2) multi-tiered approach to evaluating interconnection requests; and (3) eliminating requirement for external disconnect switch for Tier 1 systems.
Original Press Release:
Washington Approves Revised Interconnection Procedures and Paves the Way for Third-Party Ownership of Net-Metered Systems
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission issued a final order July 18 approving significant revisions to the state's interconnection rules. The order reflects many of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's recommendations throughout this effort, which began in 2011 with a call for public comment to help identify barriers and opportunities for distributed generation in Washington.
The revised rules mark three important advances that were recommended or supported by IREC: (1) the definition of "interconnection customer" now clarifies that net-metered systems can be owned by a third-party; (2) a multi-tiered approach to evaluating interconnection requests, consistent with the approach in a majority of other states; and (3) eliminating the requirement for an external disconnect switch for Tier 1 systems (inverter-based systems 25 kW or less), a national best practice.
What could prove to be the most significant advance, however, is contained in the order itself. The commission granted the request of parties, including IREC, to clarify in a forthcoming ruling whether third-party owners are subject to commission jurisdiction under state law.
"The Commission is now poised to create an opportunity for a substantial boost to Washington distributed generation by making a relatively simple and narrow clarification to the state's public utility law, which could have a significant and long-lasting impact on distributed generation in the state," said Jason Keyes, who represented IREC in this proceeding. "We have repeatedly seen exponential market growth in states that open the door for third-party ownership, as doing so empowers new customers who might otherwise find the upfront cost of installation to be a significant barrier."
Overall, with the new interconnection process in place, generators in Washington will have a more clearly defined pathway to expedited interconnection, with a multi-level process based on objective technical screens. These aspects of the rule also mean that they are more closely in line with the federally-approved Small Generator Interconnection Procedures and the approach taken in a majority of other states.
About IREC
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a non-profit organization that believes clean energy is critical to achieving a sustainable and economically strong future. To pave this clean energy path, IREC works to expand consumer access to clean energy; generates information and objective analysis grounded in best practices and standards; and leads programs to build a quality clean energy workforce, including a unique credentialing program for renewable energy and energy efficiency training providers and instructors. Since 1982, IREC's programs and policies have benefitted energy consumers, policymakers, utilities and the clean energy industry. As of July 2013, IREC is an accredited American National Standards Developer. Visit www.irecusa.org
