Section 15-4099. DEFINITIONS

 

4099.1When used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the following meaning:

 

"Adverse System Impact" means a negative effect, due to technical or operational limits on conductors or equipment being exceeded, that compromises the safety and reliability of the electric distribution system.

 

"Affected System" means an electric system not owned or operated by the electric distribution company reviewing the interconnection request that may suffer an adverse system impact from the proposed interconnection.

 

"Area Network" means a type of electric distribution system served by multiple transformers interconnected in an electrical network circuit, which is generally used in large metropolitan areas that are densely populated. Area networks are also known as grid networks. Area network has the same meaning as the term distribution secondary grid networks in 4.1.4.1 of IEEE Standard 1547.

 

"Certificate of Completion" means a certificate in a completed form approved by the Commission containing information about the interconnection equipment to be used, its installation and local inspections.

 

"Certified Equipment" means a designation that the interconnection equipment meets the requirements set forth in Section 4002 of this document

 

"Commission" means the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia.

 

"Commissioning Test" means the tests applied to a small generator facility by the interconnection customer after construction is completed to verify that the facility does not create adverse system impacts. The scope of the commissioning tests performed shall include the commissioning test specified IEEE Standard 1547 section 5.4 "Commissioning tests".

 

"Distribution System Upgrade" means a required addition or modification to the EDC's electric distribution system at or beyond the point of common coupling to accommodate the interconnection of a small generator facility. Distribution upgrades do not include interconnection facilities.

 

"District of Columbia Small Generator Interconnection Rule (DCSGIR)" means the most current version of the procedures for interconnecting Small Generator Facilities adopted by the District of Columbia Public Service Commission.

 

"Draw-out Type Circuit Breaker" means a switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal and abnormal circuit conditions such as those of a short circuit. A draw-out circuit breaker can be physically removed from its enclosure, creating a visible break in the circuit. For the purposes of these regulations, the draw-out circuit breaker shall be capable of being locked in the open, draw-out position.

 

"Electric Distribution Company" or "EDC" means an electric utility entity that distributes electricity to customers and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.

 

"Electric Distribution System" means the facilities and equipment used to transmit electricity to ultimate usage points such as homes and industries from interchanges with higher voltage transmission networks that transport bulk power over longer distances. The voltage levels at which electric distribution systems operate differ among areas but generally carry less than 69 kilovolts of electricity. Electric distribution system has the same meaning as the term Area EPS, as defined in 3.1.6.1 of IEEE Standard 1547.

 

"Estimated Commissioning Date" means the date an interconnection customer is expected to start operation.

 

"Facilities Study" means an engineering study conducted by the EDC to determine the required modifications to the EDC's Electric Distribution System, including the cost and the time required to build and install such modifications as necessary to accommodate an Interconnection Request.

 

"Fault Current" means the electrical current that flows through a circuit during an electrical fault condition. A fault condition occurs when one or more electrical conductors contact ground or each other. Types of faults include phase to ground, double- phase to ground, three-phase to ground, phase-to-phase, and three-phase. Fault current is several times larger in magnitude than the current that normally flows through a circuit.

 

"Good Utility Practice" means any of the practices, methods and acts engaged in or approved by a significant portion of the electric utility industry during the relevant time period, or any of the practices, methods and acts which, in the exercise of reasonable judgment in light of the facts known at the time the decision was made, could have been expected to accomplish the desired result of the lowest reasonable cost consistent with good business practices, reliability, safety and expedition. Good Utility Practice is not intended to be limited to the optimum practice, method or act to the exclusion of all others, but rather to be acceptable practices, methods, or acts generally accepted in the region.

 

"Governmental Authority" means any federal, State, local or other governmental regulatory or administrative agency, court, commission, department, board, or other governmental subdivision, legislature, rulemaking board, tribunal, or other governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Parties, respective facilities, or services provided, and exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, police, or taxing authority or power; provided, however, that such term does not include the Interconnection Customer, EDC or any affiliate thereof.

 

"IEEE Standard 1547" means the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) Standard 1547 (2003) "Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems", as amended and supplemented at the time the interconnection request is submitted.

 

"IEEE Standard 1547.1" means the IEEE Standard 1547.1 (2005) "Conformance Test Procedures for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems", as amended and supplemented at the time the interconnection request is submitted.

 

"Interconnection Customer" means an entity that has submitted an interconnection request to interconnect a small generator facility to an EDC's electric distribution system.

 

"Interconnection Equipment" means a group of equipment, components, or an integrated system connecting an electric generator with a local electric power system or an electric distribution system that includes all interface equipment including switchgear, protective devices, inverters or other interface devices. Interconnection equipment may be installed as part of an integrated equipment package that includes a generator or other electric source.

 

"Interconnection Facilities" means facilities and equipment required by the EDC to accommodate the interconnection of a small generator facility. Collectively, interconnection facilities include all facilities and equipment between the small generator facility and the point of common coupling, including modification, additions, or upgrades that are necessary to physically and electrically interconnect the small generator facility to the electric distribution system. Interconnection facilities are sole use facilities and do not include distribution upgrades.

 

"Interconnection Request" means an interconnection customer's request, in a form approved by the Commission, requesting the interconnection of a new small generator facility, or to increase the capacity or modify operating characteristics of an existing approved small generator facility that is interconnected with the EDC's electric distribution system.

 

"Line Section" means that portion of an EDC's distribution system connected to an interconnection customer, bounded by automatic sectionalizing devices or the end of the distribution line.

 

"Local Electric Power System" or "Local EPS" means facilities that deliver electric power to a load that are contained entirely within a single premises or group of premises. Local electric power system has the same meaning as the term local electric power system defined in 3.1.6.2 of IEEE Standard 1547.

 

"Minor Equipment Modification" means changes to the proposed small generator facility that do not have a material impact on safety or reliability of the electric distribution system.

 

"Nameplate Capacity" means the maximum rated output of a generator, prime mover, or other electric power production equipment under specific conditions designated by the manufacturer and is usually indicated on a nameplate physically attached to the power production equipment.

 

"Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory" or "NRTL" means a qualified private organization that meets the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regulations. NRTLs perform independent safety testing and product certification. Each NRTL shall meet the requirements as set forth by OSHA in the NRTL program.

 

"Parallel Operation" or "Parallel" means the sustained state of operation over 100 milliseconds, which occurs when a small generator facility is connected electrically to the electric distribution system and thus has the ability for electricity to flow from the small generator facility to the electric distribution system.

 

"PJM Interconnection" means the regional transmission organization that is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and functionally controls the transmission system for the region that includes the District of Columbia.

 

"Point of Common Coupling" means the point where the small generator facility is electrically connected to the electric distribution system. Point of common coupling is has the same meaning as defined in 3.1.13 of IEEE Standard 1547.

 

"Primary Line" means a distribution line rated at greater than 600 volts.

 

"Production Test" is defined in IEEE Standard 1547.

 

"Queue Position" means the order of a valid interconnection request, relative to all other pending valid interconnection requests, that is established based upon the date and time of receipt of the valid interconnection request by the EDC.

 

"Radial Distribution Circuit" means a circuit configuration where independent feeders branch out radially from a common source of supply. From the standpoint of a utility system, the area described is between the generating source or intervening substations and the customer's entrance equipment. A radial distribution system is the most common type of connection between a utility and load in which power flows in one direction from the utility to the load.

 

"Scoping Meeting" means a meeting between representatives of the interconnection customer and EDC conducted for the purpose of discussing alternative interconnection options, exchanging information including any electric distribution system data and earlier study evaluations that would be reasonably expected to impact interconnection options, analyzing information, and determining the potential feasible points of interconnection.

 

"Secondary Line" means a service line subsequent to the primary line that is rated for 600 volts or less, also referred to as the customer's service line.

 

"Shared Transformer" means a transformer that supplies secondary source voltage to more than one customer.

 

"Small Generator Facility" means the equipment used by an interconnection customer to generate or store electricity that operates in parallel with the electric distribution system and, for the purposes of this standard, is rated 10 MW or less. A small generator facility typically includes an electric generator, prime mover, and the interconnection equipment required to safely interconnect with the electric distribution system or local electric power system.

 

"Spot Network" means a type of electric distribution system that uses two or more inter- tied transformers to supply an electrical network circuit. A spot network is generally used to supply power to a single customer or a small group of customers. Spot network has the same meaning as the term distribution secondary spot networks defined in 4.1.4.2 of IEEE Standard 1547.

 

"Standard Agreement for Interconnection of Small Generator Facilities, Interconnection Agreement, or Agreement" means a set of standard forms of interconnection agreements approved by the Commission which are applicable to interconnection requests pertaining to small generating facilities. The agreement between the Interconnection Customer and the EDC, which governs the connection of the Small Generator Facility to the EDC's Electric Distribution System, as well as the ongoing operation of the Small Generator Facility after it is connected to the EDC's Electric Distribution System.

 

"UL Standard 1741" means Underwriters Laboratories' standard titled "Inverters Converters, and Controllers for Use in Independent Power Systems", as amended and supplemented at the time the interconnection request is submitted.

 

"Witness Test" means verification (either by an on-site observation or review of documents) by the EDC that the installation evaluation required by IEEE Standard 1547 Section 5.3 and the commissioning test required by IEEE Standard 1547 Section 5.4 have been adequately performed. For interconnection equipment that has not been certified, the witness test shall also include the verification by the EDC of the on-site design tests as required by IEEE Standard 1547 Section 5.1 and verification by the EDC of production tests required by IEEE Standard 1547 Section 5.2. All tests verified by the EDC are to be performed in accordance with the applicable test procedures specified by IEEE Standard 1547.1.

 

SOURCE: As amended by Final Rulemaking published at 56 DCR 1415, 1418 (February 13, 2009).

 

Interconnection System Impact Study Agreement

This agreement is made and entered into this day of by and between , a     organized and existing under the laws of the State of , ("Interconnection Customer,") and , a  Existing under the laws of the State of , ("Electric Distribution Company" or "EDC"). The Interconnection Customer and the EDC each may be referred to as a "Party," or collectively as the "Parties."

 

Recitals:

Whereas, The Interconnection Customer is proposing to develop a Small Generating Facility or adding generating capacity to an existing Small Generating Facility consistent with the Application completed by the Interconnection Customer On           ; and

 

Whereas, The Interconnection Customer desires to interconnect the Small Generating Facility with the EDC's electric distribution system;

 

Whereas, The EDC has completed an Interconnection Feasibility Study and provided the results of said study to the Interconnection Customer (This recital may be omitted if the Parties have agreed to forego the Interconnection Feasibility Study.);

 

Whereas, The Interconnection Customer has requested the EDC to perform an Interconnection System Impact Study to assess the impact of interconnecting the Small Generating Facility to the EDC's electric distribution system;

 

Now, therefore, in consideration of and subject to the mutual covenants contained herein the Parties agree as follows:

 

1.The Interconnection Customer elects and the EDC shall cause to be performed an Interconnection System Impact Study consistent with the District of Columbia Small Generator Interconnection Rules.

 

2.The scope of the Interconnection System Impact Study shall be subject to the assumptions set forth below in Section 2 of this agreement.

 

3.The Interconnection System Impact Study shall be based on the results of the Interconnection Feasibility Study and the technical information provided by the Interconnection Customer in the Application. The EDC reserves the right to request additional technical information from the Interconnection Customer as may reasonably become necessary consistent with good utility practice during the course of the Interconnection System Impact Study. If the Interconnection Customer modifies its designated Point of Interconnection, Application, or the technical information provided therein is modified, the time to complete the Interconnection System Impact Study may be extended by mutual agreement of the Parties.

 

4.The Interconnection System Impact Study report shall provide the following information:

 

4.1Identification of any circuit breaker short circuit capability limits exceeded as a result of the interconnection;

 

4.2Identification of any thermal overload or voltage limit violations resulting from the interconnection;

 

4.3Identification of any instability or inadequately damped response to system disturbances resulting from the interconnection; and

 

4.4Description and non-binding, good faith estimated cost of facilities required to interconnect the generating facility to the EDC's electric distribution system, and to address the identified short circuit, instability, and power flow issues,

 

5.The Interconnection System Impact Study, if required, shall be completed and the results transmitted to the Interconnection Customer within thirty (30) calendar days after this agreement is signed by the Parties or in accordance with the EDC's queuing procedures.

 

6.Study fees and deposits shall be based on actual costs in accordance with the provisions of the District of Columbia Small Generator Interconnection Rules and the Level 2-4 Standard Agreement.

 

In witness thereof, the Parties have caused this agreement to be duly executed by their authorized officers or agents on the day and year first above written.

 

[Insert name of the EDC]

 

Signed 

Name (Printed): Title 

 

[Insert name of Interconnection Customer]

 

Signed 

Name (Printed): Title 

 

Section 2: Interconnection System Impact Study Agreement

Assumptions Used in Conducting the Interconnection System Impact Study

 

The Interconnection System Impact Study shall be based on the results of the Interconnection Feasibility Study, subject to any modifications in accordance with District of Columbia Small Generation Facility Interconnection Rules and the following assumptions:

 

1. Designation of Point of Interconnection and configuration to be studied.

 

 

 

2. Designation of alternative Points of Interconnection and configuration.

 

 

 

Note: 1 and 2 are to be completed by the Interconnection Customer. Additional assumptions provided by the Interconnection Customer and/or the EDC shall be listed below.

 

Level 1

Interconnection Request Application Form and Agreement

Interconnection Customer Contact Information

Name  

Mailing Address: 

City: State: Zip Code 

Telephone (Daytime): (Mobile): 

Facsimile Number: Mail Address:  

 

Alternative Contact Information (if different from Customer Contact Information)

Name: 

Mailing Address:  

City: State: Zip Code 

Telephone (Daytime): (Mobile): 

Facsimile Number: Mail Address: 

 

Equipment Contractor

Name: 

Mailing Address:  

City: State: Zip Code 

Telephone (Daytime): (Mobile): 

Facsimile Number: Mail Address: 

 

Electrical Contractor (if Different from Equipment Contractor):

Name: 

Mailing Address:  

City: State: Zip Code 

Telephone (Daytime): (Mobile): 

Facsimile Number: Mail Address: 

License number: 

Active License? Yes No 

 

Facility Information (building where the small generator facility is located)

Electric Distribution Company (EDC) Serving Facility Site: 

Electric Supplier (if different from EDC): 

Account Number of Facility site {existing EDC customers): 

 

Facility Address (building where the small generator facility is located)

Address: 

City: State: Zip Code: 

 

Small Generator Facility Information

Inverter Manufacturer: Model  

Nameplate Rating:  (kW)  (kVA)  (AC Volts)

System Design Capacity: (kW) {kVA)

Prime Mover: Photovoltaic □  Reciprocating Engine □  Fuel Cell □  Turbine □  Other 

Energy

source

As amended by Final Rulemaking published at 56 DCR 1415, 1418 (February 13, 2009).