pv magazine offers daily updates of the latest photovoltaics news. pv magazine offers daily updates of the latest photovoltaics news. States that now provide HCA maps include California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. ComEd service territory covers over 11,000 square miles in northern Illinois including the . You will be redirected once the validation is complete. A technical error has occurred. Here are a few upgrades you can implement to help you get started: Airflow management - Reduce energy use up to 20% by preventing cool supply air from mixing with the hot air released from IT equipment. A complete copy of Part 466 is available on the link provided below. It divides the ComEd service territory into townships (6 miles X 6 miles). ComEd Net Metering & Interconnection Audio Transcript, Application - For level 1 Distributed Generation, Application - For Level 2,3 and 4 Distributed Generation, Electric Interconnection of Distributed Generation Facilities -Part 466, 25kWor less, lab certified inverter based DG facility, 10MVA or less, the DG facility does not export power, 10MVA or less that do not qualify for Levels 1 through 3, The substation where the interconnection is proposed, The feeder where the interconnection is proposed, The projects queue position relative to other Distributed Generation or Distributed Storage Resource Projects proposed for interconnection to the same ComEd electric facilities, The estimated kilowatts of potential Distributed Generation or Distributed Storage Resource Projects capacity or increase in Distributed Generation or Distributed Storage Resource Projects capacity on the feeder or substation where the project is proposed, The range of costs in which the projects estimated cost to interconnect falls. Our new report details these companies rapid expansion, the growing resistance, and the pressing need for federal policy interventions. Hosting capacity is defined as the approximate amount of generation that can be accommodated at a given point in time on the system without impacting reliability, requiring specialized inverter settings, or without requiring system modifications. You can remove a saved URL to remember another. ComEd, a Northern Illinois subsidiary of Exelon, has a hosting capacity website for its communities indicating how much photovoltaic capacity can be sited in given areas, based on the existing electrical infrastructure. You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. This article originally posted atilsr.org. The maximum (peak) load hourly profile curve and minimum (light) load hourly profile curve are plotted on a single graph along with the capacity (in MW) of the substation supplying that network. The Commission should set a deadline and intermediate goals for the ultimate integration of hosting capacity analysis with the interconnection process. Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. If you have more to contribute, please comment with a link. Supporters agreed that the Companys participation in greater inter-developer transparency could facilitate cost-sharing in line upgrades and would be an improvement from the current cost-causer pays model. As documented in the Star Tribune, interconnection delays have frustrated Minnesotas solar developers. Xcel petitioned to, as mentioned in the Hosting Capacity Analysis report, allow publicly posting additional information on CSGs in the interconnection queue, including feeder name, currently expected in-service date, and indicative interconnection cost. ILSR supports the publication of this information, as an interest in greater transparency was raised in the October 2, 2020 convening of the Distributed Generation Working Group. For timely updates, followJohn Farrellon Twitter, our energy work onFacebook, or sign up to get theEnergy Democracy weekly update. Really hope utilities and leaders are thoughtful about more consistent updates to these portals (live data, in an ideal world) to improve results across the board. Your completed application and associated fees (in the form of a check or money order, only; do not send cash) should be sent to the following address: ComEd Attn: Interconnection Services Department Two Lincoln Center, 9 th Floor Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Email our Interconnection Service Department 1-630-576-8158 Interconnection Gui delines Con Edison does not warrant the accuracy of these informational forecasts. Your email address will not be published. Please enable scripts and reload this page. However, if the Commission does not apply greater pressure for action, hosting capacity may continue to be a largely performative exercise without providing tangible benefits to Minnesota stakeholders and electric customers. Hold Ctrl or Cmd to select multiple editions. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has required that Xcel Energy, the largest electricity provider in Minnesota, conduct annual hosting capacity analysis reports since 2016. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. As outlined in an earlier pv magazine USA article, these still-young hosting capacity maps havent always shown the most accurate information, meaning that solar developers might not have reached out to customers in these regions. ComEd anticipates that the Interconnection Queue data will typically be updated monthly. The following charts, taken from the joint comments of ILSR and partners, illustrate the gulf between Xcels distributed solar forecast and ILSRs adoption model that aligns with distributed solar deployment in several mature markets. Although the values are meant to provide the user with a general idea of availability, space on the . PECO is committed to providing safe and reliable service for customers while also supporting the interconnection of customer-owned renewable energy and Distributed Energy Resources (DER), like solar. But, the paper adds, a comprehensive effort would likely include other checks not described here, as no utility claims to have performed a comprehensive validation effort. The Commission then fined the Company one million dollars (about 0.0007 of their annual 2020 revenue). By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment. Knowing exactly what circuits can handle and which circuits are arguably in need of solar power is like a treasure map. Hosting Capacity is the amount of distributed energy that can be placed without requiring system upgrades or effecting power quality. A PG&E spokesperson commented that To date, PG&E has connected more than475,000 solar customers to the electric grid and supports customers with resources before, during and after they go solar.. RE: Docket E002/M-20-812 In the Matter of Xcel Energys 2020 Hosting Capacity Report. It may also speed up the interconnection process; if developers can split an upgrade charge with other projects in the queue for that same feeder, they may be less likely to withdraw their application in the final stretch. Applications received by ComEd without payment of the application fee will not be entered into the interconnection process for review by ComEd. However, ILSR feels there are three issues worth addressing in this docket: 1) Xcel slows the adoption of cost-effective distributed generation, 2) Xcel has not fulfilled the requirements outlined in the Public Utility Commissions July 2020 Order, and 3) Xcel could do more to advance toward the ultimate goal: delivering its customers more cost-effective clean energy by integrating hosting capacity analysis with the interconnection process. The Hosting Capacity map gives an indication of how much generation (expressed in kW) can be added to a feeder before the feeder reaches capacity or other limitations that reduce the reliability of service to electric customers on the feeder. A decade ago, resources for scouting viable locations for new distributed energy resources (DER) simply did not exist. The Commission should order Xcel Energy to publish all criteria violations on the HCA map. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 765 990] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> It divides the ComEd service territory into townships (6 miles X 6 miles). Frequently Asked Questions to provide guidance to common interconnection application inquiries. <>/Metadata 270 0 R/ViewerPreferences 271 0 R>> Each circuit's hosting capacity is determined by evaluating impacts of DER along the three phase distribution mainline. Implementing energy-efficient equipment can help you save money and cut your energy consumption by 2040%.*. endobj Tel 905-686-1040 Nice piece and I agree fully. Every interconnection location must be specifically assessed through the formal interconnection process. %PDF-1.7 I was involved in various CPUC regulatory proceedings on these maps and made the same kinds of comments frequently. You will not reproduce or use in any other medium, distribute, or otherwise use the tool or its information for any purpose other than the identification of potential sites for the interconnection of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) to ComEd's distribution circuits. Link leads to external site, Share to Mail. #HViWPy;&)kkgg N?22Z/'QHn5PBgayqzYL*k$4798poGo+kn~V9X|,Fv1>dv3>#w]z#?w(KWpy@Ixgw\@32qVz.+Z:p:dCANg87p] yVz|&G rl;s FaaH\ W(x6_n a_W_$37&\Gs4rq! This is necessary, because developer complaints have continued to the present. More articles from John Fitzgerald Weaver. For example, Minnesotas community solar program is on track to reach one gigawatt of generation capacity as early as 2022 and ILSR predicts the development of an additional 475 megawatts of residential solar by 2034. The Commission should accept Xcel Energys 2020 Hosting Capacity Analysis Report, but we submit the following concerns about the Report and suggest additional development to advance the common goals of customers and the Commission. Ultimately, a published set of best practices for validating hosting capacity maps is needed, the paper says, so that stakeholders and regulators know if utilities are performing a comprehensive data validation effort.. The IREC paper advises utilities to be pro-active in ensuring the accuracy of the mapsto save time for utility customers siting and designing new solar installations, and also for utility engineers performing interconnection studies. If specific system impact studies are required, and ComEd system modifications are found to be necessary, the study results will include an indicative cost estimate for the system modifications to accommodate the DER. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy. These reports identify where the grid can accommodate additional distributed generation capacity (including rooftop and community solar) and the results are displayed on the companys Hosting Capacity Map. Xcel could do more to advance toward the ultimate goal: delivering its customers more cost-effective clean energy by integrating hosting capacity analysis with the interconnection process. Each township is subdivided into 36 sections (1 mile X 1 mile). Source: Data has been sourced from multiple National Grid groups and incorporated into this Portal by National Grid's IMAP team. For example, the 18 sections of Oak Park Township capacity range from 612 to 909 kW, and total 13,260 kW of photovoltaic power. Solar developers take on module manufacturing risk. Whether youre a customer, contractor, or developer, our interactive maps can help you identify potential sites for private generation. You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Southern California Edisons hosting maps contain a built-in function enabling users to filter sites based on available capacity above a certain threshold. The map sections indicate potential capacity by AC kilowatts with a link to to ComEds recently upgraded Interconnection and Net Metering homepage. Why Minnesotas Community Solar Program is the Best, Feds Should Collect Better Data for Fairer Markets and Energy Justice. The analyses represent the overall feeder level hosting capacity only, and do not account for all factors that could impact interconnection costs (including substation constraints). Please note that this analysis was conducted under current configurations, without installed DER, and prior to infrastructure upgrades such as; installing a recloser or remote terminal unit at the Point of Common Coupling, replacing a voltage regulating device or controller to allow for reverse flow, substation-related upgrades including 3V0 protection, or other protection-related upgrades. Stay informed. According to ComEds description, Hosting Capacity is an estimate of the amount of DER [distributed energy resources] that may be accommodated under current configurations at the overall circuit level without significant system upgrades to address adverse impacts to power quality or reliability. This website will enable developers and local decision makers to estimate how much solar could be installed by township, sections and fractions of sections as small as mile by mile. We provide localized 8,760 hour forecasts to assist developers in considering the application of DER in our service territory. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. For the Stage 2 displays, each circuit's hosting capacity is determined by evaluating the potential power system criteria violations as a result of large PV solar systems with an AC nameplate rating starting at and gradually increasing from 300 kW interconnecting to three phase distribution lines. Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Whether youre a customer, contractor, or developer, our interactive maps can help you identify potential sites for private generation. Each section is further subdivided into quarter-sections (1/2 mile X 1/2 mile). Share to Facebook. By viewing the map below, you agree and acknowledge that: The information in this tool is for guidance purposes only and is not guaranteed. 2. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. In fact, California regulators recently ruled to do just that utilize utility hosting capacity analyses to reduce the complexity of the interconnection process. . 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Solar hosting capacity maps, now required in seven states, show where solar can be added on a distribution circuit without incurring any grid expensebut only if those maps are accurate. 3 0 obj 4 0 obj The next step beyond ensuring accuracy and actionability is automating interconnection applications based on specific map grid circuits and line sections, with click and claim capabilities that link these maps with automated interconnection portals. Control systems Monitor your operations and set temperature points and fan speeds to optimize savings. endobj We also offer comprehensive global coverage of the most important solar markets worldwide. Please see Part 466 for specific qualification requirements (screens) for each interconnection level. And the newest version of their Integration Capacity Analysis (ICA 20) maps went online as of December 28. E999/CI20-800, rule whether Xcel Energy must comply with Order Point 12 of the July 2020 order. The analysis presented provides the circuit level hosting capacity for distribution circuits emanating from a substation at 34kV and below. Why is Connecting Clean Energy to the Grid So Hard? Modeling experts could determine what those additional checks should be, the paper says. According to ComEd's description, "Hosting Capacity is an estimate of the amount of DER [distributed energy resources] that may be accommodated under current configurations at the overall circuit level without significant system upgrades to address adverse impacts to power quality or reliability." On April 7, ILSR submitted comments to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to recommend they accept Xcel Energys 2020 Hosting Capacity Analysis Report, recognizing a few caveats: Read ILSRs comments to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in full below. John Farrell directs the Energy Democracy initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and he develops tools that allow communities to take charge of their energy future, and pursue the maximum economic benefits of the transition to 100% renewable power. Once the map is displayed, use the address search tool bar in the top left corner to zoom into a specific address. View interconnection queue information for all Distributed Generation or Distributed Storage Resource Projects. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program is funded in compliance with state law. New CRAC units are energy efficient, so youll not only effectively cool your IT closet, youll save on energy and maintenance costs, too. x\r8}wTw*YNdc!88RV'O]t )$DZIIOF ys=N~=hAs`9Dr3N%_+E6'0QMwx4SJ\ip_NOuzr-2j#b/)eJm ! The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has required that Xcel Energy, the largest electricity provider in Minnesota, conduct annual hosting capacity analysis reports since 2016.These reports identify where the grid can accommodate additional distributed generation capacity (including rooftop and community solar) and the results are displayed on the company's Hosting Capacity Map. In Why Utilities in Minnesota and Other States Need to Plan for More Competition, ILSR found that Xcel Energys forecasts for distributed solar, including customer-sited and community solar, are significantly low in light of existing trends and comparative models. It may be easy to under-invest in a robust hosting capacity analysis if the utility (and regulators) under-count potential distributed solar development. An application fee is charged for each interconnection application submitted. Parts of the grid that are constrained are marked with red lines (the area around number 1), while parts of the grid with available hosting capacity are marked with green and yellow lines (the area around number 2). Xcel has since written should the Commission determine it is in the public interest for the Company to advance and mature the HCA to be conducted more frequently and/or to integrate with the interconnection process, the Company would refine cost and timing estimates. Your contributions support local solutions. The Hosting Capacity data that is being provided is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the established interconnection process. Here are a few upgrades you can implement to help you get started: Airflow management - Reduce energy use up to 20% by preventing cool supply air from mixing with the hot air released from IT equipment. We adjust the load shapes to the individual network peak demand and energy send-out forecasts, including the projected DER impacts, such that the forecast includes the impact of load modifiers. While hosting capacity analysis can be valuable as a data point, it could be an even better tool for distributed solar adoption. In general, this section applies to larger generators (e.g., Commercial Wind Farms, Biomass or Solar Projects). Maria McCoy is a Researcher with the Energy Democracy Initiative. These forecasts have uncertainties, such as weather and hourly load curves, as well as the typical inherent forecasting error, including, but not limited to economic drivers, customer decisions and/or behavior, and forecasted DERs. Please note that issues related to circuit protection require further analysis to make a definitive determination of hosting capacity. The Commission should accept Xcel Energys 2020 Hosting Capacity Analysis Report, but set more parameters around its implementation. The Company continues to question the Commissions intentions and displays a general lack of urgency in this matter. Integrating hosting capacity analysis with the interconnection process is not only possible, it is already being done. 1885 Clements Rd, Unit 218 In Hawaii, the solar community helped Hawaiian Electricafter the utility cut off interconnection requests for a period of timeto develop a better understanding of hosting capacity on its lines. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com. The platform will forecast, plan, interconnect, monitor, control, and effectively manage the integration of local generation resources into our existing electric distribution system. Beyond the pending integration into interconnection, California utilities have additional features on their hosting capacity maps that ILSR believes should be implemented in Minnesota. The US PLSS is used to subdivide and describe land. It does not appear on display pages. Please enable scripts and reload this page. <> Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. LSRV areas will display a status of Eligible on the Hosting Capacity map under LSRV Area Information. For more on LSRV, VDER and the Value stack, visit our Private Generation Tariffs page. A hosting capacity map displays a high-level estimate of the available hosting capacity for adding DG. Xcel has not fulfilled the requirements outlined in the Public Utility Commissions July 2020 Order. For example, a recent 200 kWac project in Rhode Island learned when the interconnection application was submitted that no additional solar power was on either the local circuit or at the substation. Legal Notice Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy pv magazine 2023, Welcome to pv magazine USA. Be aware of your private generation configuration options and system limitations. Hold Ctrl or Cmd to select multiple editions. ILSR defers further discussion on this topic to Docket No. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. But the inefficient air conditioning units preventing your servers from overheating may be costing you more in energy costs and maintenance fees every month.