Interconnection Service - Frequently Asked Questions

Transcription

1 Interconnection Service - Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is Interconnection Service? It is an electrical connection from a customer who has a generation facility that operates in parallel to a utility's electric system. Customer generation facilities operating in parallel with the electric utility s electric system are commonly referred as distributed generation (DG). 2. What if my electricity is not supplied by ComEd, do I still need to apply for Interconnection Service with ComEd? If ComEd is not your electricity supplier, you will still need to apply for Interconnection Service through ComEd, provided you are located within the ComEd service territory. 3. When should I submit an Interconnection Service application? The Interconnection Service application must be submitted and approved by ComEd prior to the installation of a generation facility. 4. How long is the Interconnection Service review process? Interconnection Service applications are classified by the size and type of generating facility being installed. Each level of Interconnection Service has a different review process time as follows: Level 1: 10 kilovolt Amperes (kva) or less and lab-certified inverter-based DG facility Up to 22 business days (7 business days for the completeness review and 15 business days for the technical review). Level 2: 2 Megavolt Amperes (MVA) or less and lab certified DG facility Up to 30 business days (10 business days for the completeness review and 20 business days for the technical review). Level 3: 10 MVA or less and the DG facility does not export power Up to 35 business days (10 business days for the completeness review and 25 business days for the technical review). Level 4: 10 MVA or less, that do not qualify for Levels 1 through 3 10 business days for the completeness review. The time required for the technical review is dependent on the specific interconnection project. 1

2 5. I m installing fewer solar panels than my inverter s output capacity. What aggregate kilowatt (kw) output value should I use for generation facility nameplate rating? The application should contain the aggregate kw output value shown on the inverter(s) nameplate. (1 kw = 1000 watts) 6. Do I need to submit an Interconnection Service application if I m exchanging, replacing or upgrading the inverter on my existing generation facility? Yes, an Interconnection Service application must be resubmitted any time the inverter on a generation facility is being changed, replaced or upgraded. 7. I m installing additional generating capacity on an existing generation facility, but not exceeding my inverter nameplate output. Do I need to resubmit an Interconnection Service application? If your current generation facility has been approved through ComEd s Interconnection Service process, you do not need to resubmit an Interconnection Service application because you are not exceeding the existing inverter nameplate output rating; however, you are required to notify ComEd that you have made a change to your generation facility. Please [email protected]. If your current generation facility has not been approved through ComEd s Interconnection Service process, an Interconnection Service application is required. 8. If I m installing a portable generator, is an Interconnection Service application required? If the generator is temporarily installed for emergency use only and does not operate in parallel with ComEd s electric system (i.e. the generation facility is not connected electrically to the electric system), an Interconnection Service application is not required. If the generation facility is permanently installed and operates in parallel with the electric system, an Interconnection Service application is required. 9. What if I m using micro-inverters? An Interconnection Service application is required for all inverter-based generation facilities, including micro-inverters. On the application, enter the kw output value shown on one of the micro-inverter nameplates and the quantity of micro-inverters utilized in the generation facility (1 kw = 1000 watts). Where the application asks for the total capacity of the generation facility, include the aggregate nameplate kw output values (i.e., the sum of all nameplate ratings) of all micro-inverters. 2

3 10. Where do I find the Certificate of Compliance? The Certificate of Compliance can be found on the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory s website such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Download the certificate from the website and attach it to the application electronically (or mail in the certificate with the application if you are not completing the electronic application). 11. If the inverter is UL -approved, why do I need the Certificate of Compliance? The state of Illinois follows the UL-1741 testing standard for inverters, which requires the Certificate of Compliance to verify the inverter has been tested and will operate as intended. 12. Where do I find the Technical Specification Sheet? The Technical Specification Sheet can be found within the inverter s instruction manual. It can also be found on the Inverter Manufacturer s website. This Technical Specification Sheet must be submitted with the application. 13. When do I submit the Appendix B, Certificate of Completion? The Appendix B, Certificate of Completion is submitted once the Interconnection Service application has been approved; the generation facility has been installed, livened and tested; and a final electrical inspection (if required) has been completed by the local village/city inspector. 14. What is the livening date that I write on Appendix B, Certificate of Completion? The livening date is the actual date that the generation facility will be interconnected to the electric system. 15. Do I need a village/city final electrical inspection? Please contact your local governing entity to determine if a final electrical inspection is required for your generation facility installation and interconnection. If an electrical inspection is not required by the village/city, please note Final electrical inspection not required on your Appendix B, Certificate of Completion. 16. What if I move into a property that has an existing generation facility installed? You must contact ComEd to notify ComEd of your generation facility ownership so that our records can be updated. 3

4 17. Can the application be downloaded and mailed to ComEd instead of using the online tool? ComEd recommends completing the Interconnection Service application online to reduce paper use and expedite the application process; however, applications should be mailed to the address below: ComEd Attn: Interconnection Coordinator Three Lincoln Centre, 2 nd Floor Oakbrook Terrace, IL Can payments be mailed in to ComEd? Yes, please send payment via check or money order payable to Commonwealth Edison Company to the following address (do not send cash): ComEd Attn: Interconnection Coordinator Three Lincoln Centre, 2 nd Floor Oakbrook Terrace, IL If you have additional questions, you may send an to [email protected]. 4

5 Net Metering - Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is net metering and who is eligible to participate? Net metering is a service under which a customer s electric bills are based on the difference between electricity inflows (electricity supplied to the customer by the electricity supplier) and outflows (excess generated electricity supplied to the electric system by the customer and generated by an eligible renewable generation facility) for a given billing period. ComEd s Net Metering program is available to customers whose electricity is supplied by ComEd and who own or operate an on-site eligible renewable generation facility of not more than 2,000 kilowatts (kw) that generates electricity for the customer s own use. An eligible renewable generation facility is one that is located on the customer s premises and is powered by solar energy (e.g., photovoltaic), wind, dedicated crops grown for electricity generation, anaerobic digestion of livestock or anaerobic digestion of food processing waste, agricultural residues, untreated and unadulterated wood waste, landscape trimmings, livestock manure, fuel cells or microturbines powered by renewable fuels, or hydroelectric energy. 2. What if my electricity is not supplied by ComEd and I want to participate in a net metering program? If ComEd is not your electricity supplier, you can participate in a net metering program with your electric supplier not through ComEd. Your electricity supplier will inform ComEd that you are participating in a net metering program with your electric supplier. 3. How can I participate in ComEd s Net Metering program? To participate in any net metering program, an Interconnection Service application will need to be submitted to ComEd with the application fee and be approved. After the Interconnection Service application has been approved, an application for the ComEd Net Metering program will need to be submitted for approval (no application fee is required). If you have additional questions, please call 800- TALK- GEN ( ). 5

6 4. Where do I obtain ComEd s Net Metering program application? ComEd s Net Metering program application can be obtained by visiting ComEd.com/Interconnection. At the top of the page click on the Dstr < 10,000 KVA tab to obtain the Interconnection Service application and on the Net Metering tab for the ComEd Net Metering application. ComEd recommends completing the Net Metering application online to reduce paper use and expedite the application process; however, forms are available for download and can be ed, faxed or mailed to the address below: [email protected] Address: ComEd Attn: Net Metering Coordinator Three Lincoln Centre, 2 nd Floor Oakbrook Terrace, IL Fax: Website: 5. Which application should I submit first? An Interconnection Service application should be submitted first. If both applications are submitted at the same time, or if a ComEd Net Metering application is submitted first, any approval for the ComEd Net Metering program will be a conditional approval, as participation in the any net metering program is contingent upon the approval of an Interconnection Service application. If the Interconnection Service application is not approved, you will not be able to participate in any net metering program. Conditional approval for the ComEd Net Metering program will be withdrawn if an Interconnection Service application is not submitted within 30 business days after receiving notice of the conditional approval of the ComEd Net Metering program application. 6. Will I need a new meter installed to participate in net metering? ComEd will verify the type of meter currently installed on your location. If you have a smart meter, you will not need a new meter. If you do not have a smart meter, the meter at your home will be exchanged for a meter compatible with a net metering program. You can determine if you have a smart meter by looking at the meter number on your ComEd bill. The meter number has nine digits and all smart meters begin with 2. 6

7 7. Are any fees required if I need a new meter to support net metering? If you are a residential or a nonresidential customer with less than 100 kw of load, there is no charge to you for the new meter. If you are a nonresidential customer with at least 100 kw of load or more, there may be additional charges under the provisions of Rider ML Meter-Related Facilities Lease and/or Rider NS Nonstandard Services and Facilities (for more information on Rider ML & Rider NS additional charges click on the link provide below and reference Sheet Numbers (Nos.) 273 and 277 respectively) How long does it take to get the new meter installed? Generally it takes up to eight weeks for the meter installation after the applications for Interconnection Service and the ComEd Net Metering program have been approved. 9. Will my ComEd bill show the amount of electricity I am generating? No. The ComEd bill will not show the actual amount generated. If you have a smart meter, your system s inverter may provide this information. 10. How will I be billed under a net metering program? If you are participating in ComEd s Hourly Pricing Program, (ComEd s Rate BESH Basic Electric Service Hourly Pricing) you will receive a monetary credit for excess generated electricity during each bill period. If you are billed under ComEd s fixed-price supply rate (ComEd s Rate BES Basic Electric Service) excess generated electricity, measured in kwh, will be carried over to the next billing period and used to offset electricity supplied by ComEd in subsequent billing periods. Excess generated electricity can be carried over to subsequent bill periods until the end of your annual period. Your annual period is the annual bill period ending in either the April or October monthly bill period and is specified on your Net Metering application. At the end of your annual period or if you terminate service under Rate BES prior to your annual period, any excess kwh remaining on your account will expire without reimbursement. If you are participating in a net metering program with another electric supplier, please check with your electric supplier to determine how credit for excess generated electricity will be provided. ComEd provides credit for delivery service in a similar manner. If you are participating in ComEd s Hourly Pricing Program or are billed under a time-of-use 7

8 rate with another electric supplier, you will receive a monetary credit for excess generated electricity during each bill period. If you are billed under ComEd s fixed-price supply rate or are billed under a fixed-price rate with another electric supplier, excess kwh will be carried over to the next billing period and used to offset electricity delivered by ComEd in subsequent billing periods. Excess kwh can be carried over to subsequent bill period until the end of your annual period. At the end of your annual period or if you switch from one electricity supplier to another electricity supplier, switch from ComEd to another electricity supplier or from another electricity supplier to ComEd prior to your annual period, any excess kwh remaining on your account will expire without reimbursement. 11. If I am not receiving supply service from ComEd and I produce more electricity throughout the annual period than I actually use, will ComEd pay me for the excess generated electricity? If you are not receiving electricity supply service from ComEd you will need to check with your electricity supplier to determine if and how credit for excess generated electricity will be provided. 12. If I have excess kwh when I switch from one electricity supplier to another electricity supplier, will I be able to carry the excess kwh to the new supplier? You should check with both electricity suppliers to determine if and how credit for excess generated electricity will be provided. 13. Will ComEd purchase my solar renewable energy credits (SRECs)? No. ComEd cannot purchase SRECs. If you are interested in selling your SRECs, visit the Illinois Power Agency website at Will I be able to stay on ComEd s Net Metering program if I move to another electricity supplier? No. When you switch your electricity supplier, including to and from ComEd, you must contact your new electricity supplier to submit a net metering program application with that supplier. 15. What if my electricity supplier does not offer net metering and I am denied participation in a net metering program? Electricity suppliers doing business in the state of Illinois are required to provide a net metering program for their customers. 8

9 16. How long is the Net Metering program application review process? The ComEd Net Metering program application review process is 10 business days from receipt of a complete ComEd Net Metering application. If you are applying for a net metering program with another electric supplier, please check with that supplier to determine the process time for their net metering program. 17. What if I install additional generating capacity or replace equipment? ComEd is required to keep track of the number of customers participating in its Net Metering program and the installed renewable generating capacity of all net metering participants. If you make any changes to your renewable generation facility, or if you install additional generation capacity, you must submit another Interconnection Service and Net Metering application form detailing equipment changes with ComEd or your current electricity supplier. 18. Can I participate in ComEd s Hourly Pricing (Residential Real-Time Pricing or RRTP) program and a net metering program at the same time? Yes, but separate applications must be completed. Visit ComEd.com/HourlyPricing for more information about ComEd s Hourly Pricing program. 19. What if I purchase or rent a residence or building with operational net metering facilities? Customers moving into a home or business with net metering facilities already installed will need to submit a net metering program application through their electricity supplier. For more information, [email protected] or call 800-TALK-GEN ( ). 9