Renewable Energy Interconnection Manual for Small Size Systems ( 10kW in NM 20kW in TX) Renewables and Emergent Technologies Group

Transcription

1 Renewable Energy Interconnection Manual for Small Size Systems ( 10kW in NM 20kW in TX) Renewables and Emergent Technologies Group

2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Purpose Customer Eligibility Obtain Required Documentation from EPE Website New Mexico Customers Texas Customers Application Process New Mexico Renewable Energy Interconnection Process Flow New Mexico Application Process Texas Renewable Energy Interconnection Process Flow Texas Application Process Technical Requirements Sample One-Line Diagram Checklists New Mexico Checklist Texas Checklist EPE Field Inspection System Expansion Expansion Application Process Renewable Energy System Ownership Change Ownership Change Application Process Downloading Required Documentation from EPE Website Appendix A: Sample Forms 11. Appendix B: Simplified Interconnections Terms and Conditions 12. Appendix C: Safety Recommendations (Please make sure Blue Books Standards are followed) 13. Appendix D: Type of Service Voltages 14. Appendix E: Technical Requirements for Interconnections and Parallel Operation of Qualifying Facilities 10 kw or Less

3 1. Introduction El Paso Electric (EPE) is committed to providing its customers with reliable and high quality electric power; as part of this commitment, EPE is supporting and promoting the development of renewable energy projects in its service territory. EPE actively seeks to further develop renewable energy programs and partnerships that will help increase the electric generation from renewable energy projects. Conveniently, the fast development of technology has made the use of natural resources accessible for the production of electrical power at a lower price than it was a decade ago. The EPE Renewable Energy Interconnection program enables EPE s customers that have a renewable system installed at their residence or business to interconnect with EPE s grid. The installation and interconnection of a renewable system to EPE s grid will not only reduce the customer s kwh consumption from EPE, but will also help the environment to be less impacted by electric generation using non-renewable resources. 2. Purpose The purpose of this manual is to provide EPE s customers with the necessary information to successfully complete the Interconnection Packet for a renewable system. This packet must be processed prior to any system interconnection to EPE s grid. This manual includes the required forms and completion guidelines for an accurate inclusion of all pertinent information in the Interconnection packet. Additionally, this manual includes a brief description of the procedure that the Interconnection Application Packet follows in order to be processed by EPE, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the customer and EPE. 3. Customer Eligibility 3.1 Obtain Required Documentation from EPE Website Customers may find all necessary forms and additional information by visiting EPE s website. Please click on the following link to be directed to EPE s website: Note: Section 9 Downloading Required Documents from EPE Website provides additional guidelines for obtaining these documents. 3.2 New Mexico Customers All EPE New Mexico customers are eligible to interconnect their renewable energy system to EPE s grid as long as the EPE established requirements for interconnection are met. The customer is 1 P age

4 required to submit an Interconnection Packet to EPE which consists of the following documents that must be accurately completed (Customers may download the forms at the website address listed below): TWO originals of the Simplified Interconnection Application Forms completely and accurately filled out; /Simplified_Interconnection_Application-Form_40.pdf A one-line diagram (please include the side and top view) that includes the location of the meters and the A/C Disconnect and all necessary technical data; Line_Diagram_2011.pdf ONE $50 checks, one for the Simplified Interconnection Applications processing fee (please make checks payable to EPE); ONE original NM Renewable Energy Facility Ownership Status form, completely and accurately filled out wable_energy_facility_ownership_status.pdf ONE W-9 Form accurately filled out and signed by the customer applying for interconnection; and, ONE Form 35 Notice of Self Certification Technical Specifications or Technical Data Sheets. The documents previously mentioned must be included in order to process the Interconnection Packet. The customer may submit the Interconnection Application forms with original electronic signature but please note that no copies will be accepted. Additional and optional documents include: An Authorization Agreement for Direct Deposit Form; Note: Customer applying for interconnection must be one of the EPE s account owner of record. 2 P age

5 eement_for_direct_deposits_customers.pdf For more information on the Purchase Power Service Rate, please refer to Rate 16 on EPE s website or follow the link below: d_power_stamped.pdf For more information on the Small Renewables Energy Certificate Purchase, please refer to Rate 33 on EPE s website or follow the link below: The Interconnection Packet and/or related documentation must be mailed to: 3.3 Texas Customers Renewables Development El Paso Electric (loc. 131) P.O Box 982 El Paso, Texas All EPE Texas customers are eligible to interconnect their renewable energy system to EPE s grid as long as the EPE established requirements for interconnection are met. The customer is required to submit an Interconnection Packet to EPE that consists of the following documents accurately completed: TWO originals of the Interconnection and Parallel Operation of Distributed Generation with the Utility System Applications; ction Parallel_Operation_of_DG_.pdf A one-line diagram (side view and top view too) that includes the location of the meters and the A/C Disconnect and all necessary technical data; and, Line_Diagram_2011.pdf Technical Specifications or Technical Data Sheets. The documents previously mentioned must be included in order to process the Interconnection Packet. Please note that customer may submit the Interconnection Application forms with original electronic signature but no copies will be accepted. ONE W-9 Form accurately filled out and signed by the customer applying for interconnection; 3 P age

6 ONE Interconnection Application Fee as Applicable please refer to page one of the Interconnection Application for details. Additional and optional documents include: ONE original TX Renewable Energy Facility Ownership Status form, completely and accurately filled out; _Energy_Facility_Ownership_Status.TX.pdf ONE Renewable Energy Credit Microgenerator Listing Form Credit_Microgenerator_Listing_Form.pdf REC Management Agreement Required by PUCT Subst Rule q (2) Agreement_Required_by_PUCT_Subst_Rule_25_173_q_2.pdf For more information on the Purchase Power Service Rate, please refer to Rate 48 on EPE s website or follow the link below: Firm_Purchased_Power pdf The Interconnection Packet and/or related documentation must be mailed to: Renewables Development El Paso Electric (loc. 131) P.O Box 982 El Paso, Texas P age

7 4. Application Process 4.1 New Mexico Renewable Energy Interconnection Process Flow 5 P age

8 4.2 New Mexico Application Process: Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Customer completes Interconnection Packet and mails it to EPE Renewables Development Department. EPE Renewables Development reviews Interconnection Packet for completion and accuracy of forms. EPE Renewables Development initiates the process of the Interconnection application by reviewing the information provided for interconnection (e.g. name, address, account number, technical information, etc.) One-line diagram is submitted for review and technical approval by EPE Meter Test and EPE Engineering Departments. Please refer to Section 5. Technical Requirements for more information. If one-line diagram is not approved, EPE Renewables Development notifies the customer and informs customer of necessary changes. The customer must submit a revised oneline diagram for new review and technical approval. EPE Renewables Development informs the customer of technical review approval. The customer initiates the construction of the renewable energy system. Note: Communication is via by submitting an inquiry through smallrenewables@epelectric.com or by contacting EPE Renewables Development at , ext or ext Upon completion of system construction, the customer obtains the electrical release from the corresponding City/County and requests an EPE field inspection by contacting EPE Renewables Development at smallrenewables@epelectric.com. Please refer to Section 6.3 EPE Field Inspection to review the field inspection request checklist. An EPE Meter Test inspector visits the system site and performs the field inspection. If field inspection is not approved, EPE Renewables Development notifies the customer and 6 P age

9 informs necessary changes to be performed. The customer requests a new field inspection upon integration of changes. Step 8: Step 9: EPE Renewables Development informs the customer of field inspection approval and informs EPE internal groups for rate assignment and meter order to be issued. EPE internal groups perform their tasks and the EPE Meter Test inspector installs the new meters. NET and REC meters are installed. Step 10: The renewable energy system goes on-line. Step 11: One executed contract is mailed back to the customer and the other one is filed for EPE records. 7 P age

10 4.3 Texas Renewable Energy Interconnection Process Flow 8 P age

11 4.4 Texas Application Process: Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Customer completes Interconnection Packet and mails it to EPE Renewables Development Department. EPE Renewables Development reviews Interconnection Packet for completion and accuracy of forms. EPE Renewables Development initiates the process of the Interconnection application by reviewing the information provided for interconnection (e.g. name, address, account number, technical information, etc.) One-line diagram is submitted for review and technical approval by EPE Meter Test and EPE Engineering Departments. Please refer to Section 5. Technical Requirements for more information. If one-line diagram is not approved, EPE Renewables Development notifies the customer and informs of necessary changes. The customer must submit a revised one-line diagram for new review and technical approval. EPE Renewables Development informs the customer of technical review approval. The customer initiates the construction of the renewable energy system. Note: Communication is via by submitting an inquiry to smallrenewables@epelectric.com or by the customer contacting Renewables Development at ext.4465 or ext Upon completion of construction of the system, the customer obtains the electrical release from the corresponding City/County and requests an EPE field inspection by contacting Renewables Development at smallrenewables@epelectric.com. Please refer to Section 6.3 EPE Field Inspection to review the field inspection request checklist. An EPE Meter Test inspector visits the system site and performs the field inspection. If field inspection is not approved, EPE Renewables Development notifies the customer and informs necessary changes to be performed. The customer requests a new field inspection upon integration of changes. 9 P age

12 Step 8: Step 9: EPE Renewables Development informs the customer of field inspection approval and informs EPE internal groups for rate assignment and meter order to be issued. EPE internal groups perform their tasks and the EPE Meter Test inspector installs the new meters. NET and REC meters are installed. Step 10: One executed contract is mailed back to the customer and the other one is filed for EPE s records. 10 P age

13 5. Technical Requirements The one-line diagram must include the following: Site Plan: The Customer must provide details on equipment capacity, type and location. Information must be clearly identified and marked to avoid confusions and delay in the technical review step. All specifications provided in the sample one-line diagram are reviewed and must be satisfied prior to technical review approval. For more information on the specifications, please follow the sample one-line diagram link provided previously in Section 3.1/3.2/3.3 or visit Appendix A. The one-line diagram must comply with the DSO 1875 standard. Please see Section 5.1 Sample One-Line Diagram. Note: Prior standards will not be accepted by EPE. Inverter information: All inverters must comply with UL1741 and must be equipped with protective devices to prevent connection or parallel operation of the generating equipment unless EPE s service voltage and frequency are within standard operating ranges. The delivery service phase must be clearly specified in the one-line diagram and in the Interconnection Application. Inverter s manufacturer and model, specific power and voltage ratings must be identified. A/C Disconnect information: A visible A/C Disconnect must be installed to allow manual interruption of electrical service from the main service panel. It must be accessible to EPE s Meter Test employees, and must be equipped with protective devices to prevent connection to a de-energized circuit. The location of the A/C Disconnect must be between the REC meter and the main service panel according to the one-line diagram requirements. Breaker information: The one-line diagram must depict the breaker rating. The breaker rating specified on the one line must match the breaker size installed at the premise. Wire Size Wire sizing must be provided for the wires used from the disconnect to the REC Meter and from the REC to the main service. Storage System information (if applicable): If installing a storage system, the one-line must also depict the following: The energy storage type: (e.g. battery) If Battery: Battery Chemistry (e.g. Lead Acid, Li-Ion, NiCa) Max Storage Capacity (kw) Energy Capacity (kwh) Energy Storage System Voltage: (V) 11 P age

14 Energy Storage Maximum Discharge Capacity: Rated maximum current at rated voltage (A) Energy Storage Nominal Discharge Capacity: Rated current at rated voltage (A) Specify intended use for mode of operation (Backup power, power quality, other) If installing a separate inverter for the storage system, please provide the following information on the one-line diagram: o Inverter Manufacturer o Inverter Model o Inverter certification o Rated output power (Watts) o Maximum apparent AC output power (VA) o Rated Output Voltage (V) o Inverter Short Circuit Capacity (Amps or per unit), if available o Provide Manufacturer specifications sheet o Provide transfer switch specs 12 P age

15 5.1 Sample One-Line Diagram 13 P age

16 14 P age

17 Examples of existing one-line diagrams/systems: Contractor to attach tag stating Net Metering Site Label for REC Meter Label for Disconnect One-Line Diagram located beside REC Meter 15 P age

18 One-Line Diagram located on REC Meter Address Contractor to attach tag stating Net Metering Site NOTE 1: Main Service Disconnect located inside Main Service Panel Voltage Rating 16 P age

19 17 P age

20 6. Checklists The customer may use these checklists as a tool to verify that the interconnection packet is complete. Note: The checklist does not have to be included in the interconnection packet. Its purpose is for customer reference only. 6.1 New Mexico Checklist Required Forms (New Mexico) Check Two (2) Simplified Interconnection Application Forms (Original Signature Required) One-Line Diagram, Side and Top View Diagrams One (1)- $50 check for Interconnection Application One (1)-NM Renewable Energy Facility Ownership Status form Form 35 Notice of Self Certification W-9 Form Technical Specifications or Technical Data Sheets Authorization Agreement for Direct Deposit Form (optional) 18 P age

21 6.2 Texas Checklist Required Forms (Texas) Check Two (2) Interconnection Applications Forms (Original Signature Required) One-Line Diagram, Side and Top View Diagrams Technical Specifications or Technical Data Sheets W-9 Form One (1)-TX (Optional) Renewable Energy Facility Ownership Status form Renewable Energy Credit Microgenerator Listing Form (Optional) REC Management Agreement Required by PUCT Subst Rule q 2 (Optional) Additional Information: Customer must sign in the customer section on each page of the interconnection applications that requires it. Please note that electronic signatures are now being accepted. If the system facility is different than the mailing address, the customer must include and indicate the mailing address where EPE should mail the executed application. The customer applying for the interconnection must be the EPE s service account owner or must be included in the application. 19 P age

22 The EPE account number must pertain to the location where the system is installed. For the system address, the customer must ensure that all paperwork with the City/County matches the address provided for the interconnection point. The customer must clearly specify the system s source type (e.g. solar, wind, etc.) The customer must include information relating to the power, voltage rating, and number of phases in the application spaces where they are required and in the one-line diagram. It is preferable if the kw capacity output of the system to be installed is provided in terms of AC. All information provided must be consistent in all applications. The customer must provide a valid address where applications status notifications will be received. If the application does not have a designated area for this information to be included, please make a note next to the customer s name/contractor. In order to avoid delays in the interconnection application process, the customer should verify that all the requirements described herein have been satisfied. Usage of the checklist provided as a tool in Section 6 is recommended. 20 P age

23 6.3 EPE Field Inspection The customer may use these checklists as a tool to verify that the system is ready for an EPE field inspection Residential System Checklist Yes Completed Requirements Notes No Utility Revenue Meter must be within 5 feet from the Main Service Disconnect. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No REC Meter must also be within 5 feet from the Main Service Disconnect. The Qualifying Facility AC energy source must have a visible, lockable disconnect within 5 feet of Main Service Disconnect. The Qualifying Facility AC Energy Source Disconnect must be placed between the Renewable Energy Meter and Utility Meter. A One-Line Electrical Diagram of the facility must be permanently posted on site next to the REC Meter. The One-Line Diagram must be weather proof (i.e. a placard, or inside a PVC pipe that is no less than 1.5 inch in diameter). Placards must be permanently placed on service indicating this is an Interconnection Site, REC Meter, A/C Disconnect. (3 placards) The system that is built must match the One-Line Diagram that is sent in with the Interconnection Application Package. The voltage that is listed on the One-Line Diagram must match the voltage of the system. Any revisions or additions must be pre-approved before implementation. If existing service is upgraded, changed or modified it must be brought up to current EPE standards and current local and state codes. 21 P age

24 6.3.2 Commercial System Checklist Yes Completed Requirements Notes No Utility Revenue Meter must be within 5 feet from the Main Service Disconnect. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No The Qualifying Facility AC energy source must have a visible, lockable disconnect within 5 feet of Main Service Disconnect. The Qualifying Facility AC Energy Source Disconnect must be placed between the Renewable Energy Meter and Utility Meter. A One-Line Electrical Diagram of the facility must be permanently posted on site next to the REC Meter. The One-Line Diagram must be weather proof (i.e. a placard, or inside a PVC pipe that is no less than 1.5 inches in diameter). Placards must be permanently placed on service indicating this is an Interconnection Site, REC Meter, A/C Disconnect. (3 placards) The system that is built must match the One-Line Diagram that is sent in with the Interconnection Application Package. The voltage that is listed on the One-Line Diagram must match the voltage of the system. Any revisions or additions must be pre-approved before implementation. If existing service is upgraded, change or modified it must be brought up to current EPE standards and current local and state codes. Utility Revenue Meter must be within 5 feet from the Main Service Disconnect. 22 P age

25 7. System Expansion A customer with an existing interconnected renewable energy system that would like to include additional panels and therefore increase the system capacity must follow the system expansion process. Note: When considering expanding an existing system please note that the documentation specified below is only applicable to systems that expand within the limits of small size systems ( 10kW); if the existing system is expanded beyond the 10kW limit, it becomes a medium size system and different guidelines apply (the customer will have to submit a medium size application package to EPE). To increase size of renewable energy system for a total system capacity of less than 10kW, customers must provide the following documentation to EPE prior to the expansion of the system: TWO original Simplified Expansion Applications accurately and completely filled out. The one-line diagram with all the specifications mentioned in this manual and specifying how many panels will be added to the system and the total capacity of the new system. For New Mexico Customers only: a $50 check application processing fee must be attached to the Interconnection Application (Please make check payable to El Paso Electric Co). 7.1 Expansion Application Process Step 1: Step 2: The customer completes the Expansion Interconnection Packet that includes two original Simplified Expansion Applications, the one-line diagram, and a $50 check(nm customers only). The customer mails the Expansion Interconnection Packet to EPE: Step 3: Renewables Development El Paso Electric (loc.131) P.O Box 982 El Paso, Texas Attention: Paul Garcia Renewables Development reviews the applications for completeness and accuracy and submits the one-line diagram for technical review to Engineering and Meter Test Departments. If the one-line diagram is rejected, Renewables Development informs the customer of disapproval and informs needed changes for the one-line diagram. The customer submits a revised one-line diagram for new technical revision. Note: Please review Section 5. Technical Requirements for more information on the oneline diagram. 23 P age

26 Step 4: Step 5: Renewables Development informs the customer of technical review approval. Renewables Development informs internal EPE groups of system expansion. Step 6: Customer completes construction of expansion and notifies Renewables Development. Step 7: Upon completion of system expansion, the customer requests an EPE field inspection by sending an to Step 8: EPE meter test performs field inspection. Step 9: The system goes on-line. Step 10: EPE mails to the customer the executed interconnection contract. Note: In order to avoid delays in the expansion application process, please take the time to verify all the requirements described herein have been satisfied. 8. Renewable Energy System Ownership Change A customer with an existing interconnected renewable energy system that will like to transfer the system ownership must follow the Renewable Energy system ownership change process. To change the ownership of an existing interconnected renewable energy system, the New Mexico customers must provide the following documentation to EPE: One Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Application accurately and completely filled out; and Note: Please write OWNERSHIP CHANGE on top of the Interconnection Application. One $50 check processing fee must be attached to the Renewable Energy System Ownership Change Application (Please make check payable to EPE). One W9 form accurately filled out and signed by the customer is required. Note: Before submitting the ownership change application, the customer must verify the EPE account for the system location is under the customer s name. To change the ownership of an existing interconnected renewable energy system, the Texas customers must send an notification to smallrenewables@epelectric.com for EPE to update its solar system interconnection records and call our customer service center in Texas at to update name on the electric account. 24 P age

27 8.1 Ownership Change Application Process Step1: Step 2: The customer prepares the Ownership Change Interconnection packet that includes one original Renewable Energy Credit Application, W9 form and a $50 check. The customer mails the Ownership Change Interconnection packet to EPE: Renewables Development El Paso Electric P.O Box 982 El Paso, Texas Attention: Paul Garcia (loc.131) Step 3: Step 4: Renewables Development reviews the accuracy and completeness of the forms and forwards it to EPE s internal groups. Renewables Development informs EPE internal groups of ownership change. Note: In order to avoid delays in the ownership change application process, please take the time to verify all the requirements described herein have been satisfied. 25 P age

28 9. Downloading Required Documentation from EPE Website Customers may find all application forms referred to in this manual by visiting EPE s website. The instructions on how to download all the forms are presented below: 1. Go to the EPE website: 2. Click on the Residential Services tab on the top of the page. 3. Select the appropriate State of service: 4. Click on the Renewable Energy blue tab: 5. Click on the Renewable Energy Interconnection orange tab located on the left column. 26 P age

29 6. Select the appropriate link: a. Interconnection of facilities less than 10kW for NM; or, b. Interconnection of facilities less than 20kW for TX. 7. Print and complete the appropriate forms and submit the Interconnection Packet to EPE. 27 P age

30 28 P age

31 10. Appendix A: Sample Forms for New Mexico Sample Simplified Interconnection Application for New Mexico 29 P age

32 Sample Simplified Interconnection Application for New Mexico 30 P age

33 Sample New Mexico Renewable Energy Facility Ownership Status 31 P age

34 Sample W-9 for New Mexico 32 P age

35 Direct Deposit Sample Form for New Mexico 33 P age

36 Sample Forms for Texas Sample Interconnection Agreement for Texas 34 P age

37 Sample Interconnection Agrement for Texas 35 P age

38 Sample Interconnection Agrement for Texas 36 P age

39 Sample Interconnection Agrement for Texas 37 P age

40 Sample Interconnection Agreement for Texas 38 P age

41 Sample Interconnection Agreement for Texas 39 P age

42 Sample Interconnection Agreement for Texas 40 P age

43 Sample Interconnection Agreement for Texas 41 P age

44 Sample Interconnection Agreement for Texas 42 P age

45 Sample Interconnection Agreement for Texas 43 P age

46 Sample Interconnection Application for Texas 44 P age

47 Sample Interconnection Application for Texas 45 P age

48 Sample Texas Renewable Energy Facility Owhership Status 46 P age

49 11. Appendix B: Simplified Interconnections Terms and Conditions Appendix B 47 P age

50 Appendix B 48 P age

51 12. Appendix C : Safety Recommendations Appendix C 49 P age

52 Appendix C 50 P age

53 Appendix C 51 P age

54 Appendix C 52 P age

55 Appendix C 53 P age

56 Appendix C 54 P age

57 13. Appendix D: Type of Service Voltages Appendix D 55 P age

58 Appendix D 56 P age

59 Appendix D 57 P age

60 Appendix D 58 P age

61 14. Appendix E: Technical Requirements for Interconnections and Parallel Operation of Qualifying Facilities 10 kw or Less Appendix E 59 P age

62 Appendix E 60 P age