Be prepared when integrating self-generated power
If you are considering the option of connecting a generator of 10,000 kVA or less in parallel to a utility's electric distribution system, you must meet certain requirements before moving forward.
Requirements
The Illinois Commerce Commission established 83 Illinois Administrative Code Part 466 (Electric Interconnection of Distributed Generation Facilities) to establish standardized applications, review procedures, and agreements for customers wanting to connect generators of 10,000 kVA or less in parallel to a utility's electric distribution system. A complete copy of Part 466 is available on the link provided below. The procedures for interconnection are divided into four levels as follows:
Level 1: 10kVA or less, lab certified inverter based DG facility
Level 2: 2MVA or less, lab certified DG facility
Level 3: 10MVA or less, the DG facility does not export power
Level 4: 10MVA or less that do not qualify for Levels 1 through 3
Qualifications for Application
Generally speaking, DG facilities that are certified by nationally recognized testing laboratories and meet certain standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Underwriters' Laboratory, and the National Electrical Code, may qualify for interconnection under an expedited review process provided for in Levels 1 - 3. An expedited review of the interconnection request under levels 1 - 3 is available provided the proposed DG facility passes the screens outlined in Part 466 and does not require construction of facilities by ComEd to protect reliability and accommodate the interconnection of the DG facility. Please see Part 466 for specific qualification requirements (screens) for each interconnection level.
Application Form and Fees
An application fee is charged for each interconnection application submitted. Applications received by ComEd without payment of the application fee will not be entered into the interconnection process for review by ComEd.
Application Fees:
Level 1: $50.00
Level 2: $100.00 plus $1.00/kVA
Level 3: $500.00 plus $2.00/kVA
Level 4: $1,000.00 plus $2.00/kVA
Forms:
Mail completed applications and fees to:
ComEd
Attn: Frank Blacker
Three Lincoln Center
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is applicable only to distributed generation (DG) facilities that are state jurisdictional (i.e. DG facilities that operate in parallel with the ComEd distribution system: (a) either (i) do not generate excess electricity or (ii) generate excess electricity and intend to sell the excess to ComEd under ComEd's retail tariff subject to the jurisdiction of the Illinois Commerce Commission and (b) are not subject to the interconnection requirements of either the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or the applicable Regional Transmission Organization (currently PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM)). Inquiries concerning all other DG facilities should be directed to PJM. The PJM interconnection requirements, business rules, costs and interconnection queue are wholly separate from those referenced on this webpage.
pjm.com
Net Metering
If you are a residential or commercial customer who owns or operates an eligible renewable electric generator of up to 2,000 kW that generates electricity for your own use, you may qualify for Net Metering. An eligible renewable electric generator is one that is located on your premises and is powered by solar electric energy (e.g. photovoltaic), wind, dedicated crops grown for electricity generation, anaerobic digestion of livestock or food processing waste, fuel cells or microturbines powered by renewable fuels, or hydroelectric energy.
Net Metering will provide customers credits for the excess generated energy that flows onto the distribution system according to the terms of ComEd’s Net Metering tariff, Rider POGNM – Parallel Operation of Retail Customer Generating Facilities with Net Metering.