The Commission should host staff-facilitated working group sessions on integrating hosting capacity analysis with the interconnection process. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 765 990] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> In this role, she contributes to blog posts, podcasts, video content, and interactive features. The watchword is actionable. If the maps arent actionable (b/c theyre not accurate) they re actually worse than useless. The procedures for interconnection are divided into four levels as follows: 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. 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. In at least five more states, regulators are considering requiring utilities to produce such maps, or to improve the maps they are already publishing, Zakai said: Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. An application fee is charged for each interconnection application submitted. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so. Once the map is displayed, use the address search tool bar in the top left corner to zoom into a specific address. Its also clear that hosting capacity could play an important role in addressing timeliness in processing the interconnection of distributed energy resources. Call us at 1-855-433-2700 during normal business hours to speak with a ComEd Energy Efficiency Program representative. Given the proper policies and incentives, like robust hosting capacity analyses, distributed solar development can serve as a tool for economic stimulus and increased energy justice nationwide. The tool functions well, as intended, to provide developers of large DERs early insight into grid locational hosting capacity. We thank the Commission for approving the November 2, 2020 Petition To Publish Certain Information about Applications in the Interconnection Queue, as we believe it will improve the interconnection process. Xcel slows the adoption of cost-effective distributed generation. Californias experience, says a policy paper, shows that best practice guidelines for validating maps are needed to aid state regulators. . That meant solar developers had zero access to critical power grid connection information, substation status, and other local solar plant connections. ComEd anticipates that the Interconnection Queue data will typically be updated monthly. The LSRV is an added credit for DER installations in eligible areas where the utility grid would benefit from additional generation capacity. Locational System Relief Value, or LSRV, is one component of the Value Stack that makes up compensation for Distributed Energy Resources (DER) under the Value of DER structure (pdf). The Commission should, after considering stakeholder input in Docket No. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. The analyses presented in these displays provide the feeder level hosting capacity for the distribution circuits evaluated. New York States adoption of Reforming the Energy Vision is moving our industry forward toward a new and sustainable energy future. www.tdworld.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Circuit configurations can change for various reasons. Additionally, we have provided the peak substation load for the previous year. These network curves shows a representative load profile of the forecasted hourly peak (maximum) loads for 2018, and a representative load profile on light loads (minimum load) for the networks (based on 2017 data). Required fields are marked *. ComEd Delivery Customer Class Peak Load Contributions Customer Delivery Classifications Delivery Class Code Network Peak Load Contribution (NSPL) kW Capacity Peak Load Contribution (PLC) kW Capacity Peak Load Contribution (PLC) kW. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Stay informed. 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. RE: Docket E002/M-20-812 In the Matter of Xcel Energys 2020 Hosting Capacity Report. The Interconnection Queue Report provides the following minimum information for all Distributed Generation (Excluding Level 1 Applications) or Distributed Storage Resource Projects for which a queue position has been assigned: Each substation and feeder where an interconnection will be made is identified in the reported data by a unique index number assigned for the purpose of reporting interconnection queue information and not by any geographic or operational designation or description. However, the interconnection process stands to gain much more from hosting capacity analysis. That meant solar developers had zero access to critical power grid connection information, substation status, and other local solar plant connections. We also offer comprehensive global coverage of the most important solar markets worldwide. 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. endobj 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. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. WASHINGTON - As the Illinois solar market grows from the Future Energy Jobs Act, the largest utility in the state has posted a planning tool to identify potential PV capacity in their service territory. PG&E, after conducting validation work, conceded that the solar results were erroneous, says the IREC paper. Register with an email address to update your login credentials. Con Edison uses the most recent actual hourly loads to capture the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) impacts embedded in the service area to develop the load shapes for the individual networks. As your last line of defense against power fluctuations and data loss, the UPS provides emergency power to run your IT equipment. A hosting capacity map displays a high-level estimate of the available hosting capacity for adding DG. The Company, after being directed by the Commission to do so, has declined to provide the actual locations of distribution system lines in its 2020 hosting capacity report: In Order Pt. 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. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. The US PLSS is used to subdivide and describe land. Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy. 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. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. While hosting capacity analysis can be valuable as a data point, it could be an even better tool for distributed solar adoption. View interconnection queue information for all Distributed Generation or Distributed Storage Resource Projects. In general, this section applies to larger generators (e.g., Commercial Wind Farms, Biomass or Solar Projects). I was involved in various CPUC regulatory proceedings on these maps and made the same kinds of comments frequently. "The hosting capacity map will be stale soon after it's published," he said. Share to Facebook. A complete copy of Part 466 is available on the link provided below. ComEd will provide the pre-application data to the potential application within 20 business days after receipt of the completed pre-application report request form and payment of the $300 fee. Properly designed, the hosting capacity maps offer the ability to look closely at our power grid resources. The pre-application report produced by ComEd is non-binding and does not confer any rights; the potential applicant must file an application before it can interconnect with the ComEd system. SDG&E has a fast track process in place to interconnect small DER installations (such as rooftop solar on single-family homes) within an average of three days. 216B.2425, subdivision 8, to support the continued development of distributed generation resources.. Each substation and feeder where an interconnection will be made will be identified in the reported data by a unique index number assigned for the purpose of reporting interconnection queue information hereunder, and not by any geographic or operational designation or description. 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). Log in using your email address if you've already registered. As a solar developer and individual cheering for a strong power grid, few pieces of data are as useful as site data sorted by grid demand. ILSR asks that the Commission provide the Company more direction, in the form of deadlines to use HCA in initial or supplemental interconnection review (in the next 18-24 months) and automating at least a portion of interconnection proceedings (by 2025) as well as staff-facilitated working groups to guide implementation. The Commissions July 2020 order, in response to Xcel Energys 2019 Hosting Capacity Analysis (HCA) Report, found that improved and additional information will be necessary in future reports and provided the Commissions direction for future HCA reports. In this order, the Commission determined that Xcel should publish the actual locations of distribution system lines because giving customers and developers access to more precise data would allow them to make informed decisions about whether to pursue a project before investing significant time or resources into the planning process. Order Point 12 required Xcel Energy to do so in its 2020 Hosting Capacity Report. In the Commissions July 2020 order, the Commission adopted a long-term goal to use the hosting capacity analysis in the interconnection processs fast track screens. The Commissions July 2020 Order also required the Company to study three additional objectives for hosting capacity analysis: These objectives set the Commissions intentions for hosting capacity analysis to, at the least, augment initial review screens and, at the most, totally automate interconnection studies. Here's where these maps live: Pacific Gas & Electric's (PG&E) Grid Needs Assessment (GNA) maps 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. Please contact our Customer Care Center if you have questions. Inaccurate results were also found in a different type of hosting capacity map produced by PG&E and two other California utilities, the IREC paper says: maps showing the capacity for added load on a circuit, such as electric vehicles. endobj Hosting Capacity is the amount of distributed energy that can be placed without requiring system upgrades or effecting power quality. #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! In Georgia, solar groups last year called for state regulators to require Georgia Power to produce such maps. Join our newsletter. SDG&Es HCA tool allows users to see hourly changes in load capacity., IRECs recommendations apply to both solar hosting capacity and load hosting capacity. Minnesota solar companies filed 129 interconnection complaints in 2019. As for load capacity, it is important to understand that load capacity varies hourly throughout the year, depending on demand; if load capacity shows up as zero at one location and time, that doesnt mean that it is zero year-round. Additional displays with tabulated data have been included in the form of data pop-up displays to indicate that the hosting capacity may be lower at any given location. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. With the evolution of these HCA maps, developers now have access to something that previously was elusive: useful data. The provision of this data would support using hosting capacity analysis in the place of initial review screens for interconnection processing, which the Commission adopted as a long-term goal in the July 2020 order. Subject to your specific situation, ComEd's response may require further action to be taken and/or further expense to be incurred by you in order to complete the interconnection. This site uses cookies. If the Commission rules that Xcel must comply with Order Point 12, it should levy financial penalties if the Company does not comply. Click on a Township, Section, Quarter-Section, Sixteenth-Section, or circuit to display the maximum hosting capacity value. As part of changes to Rule 21, the California Public Utilities Commission is requiring utilities to use their Integration Capacity Analysis (equivalent to hosting capacity analysis) as part of the interconnection process. Developers can look at the map and predict where they might install a solar garden. It does not appear on display pages. Read our policy. For timely updates, followJohn Farrellon Twitter, our energy work onFacebook, or sign up to get theEnergy Democracy weekly update. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. . What this does indicate is that a densely populated community like Oak Park would most likely have to get the majority of its solar and renewable electricity from outside its boundaries to reach the statewide RPS goal of 25%. We are glad that the Commission has asked Xcel to provide all criteria threshold violations, rather than just the primary limiting factor. 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. Some locations within the PECO service territory have greater potential to support such interconnections than others. The IREC paper describes how some utilities have worked to ensure accurate inputs to their hosting capacity analysis, and use automated flags to identify anomalous modeling results. Don't miss a single report, infographic, or podcast! Error: Please call us at 1-800-752-6633 to complete this request. 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Link leads to external site, Tips & Tools for Lowering Your Energy Bill, Savings for Multifamily Building Managers, Savings for Small-Medium Business Customers. Solar hosting capacity is the gold to be found in these utility treasure maps. email the ComEd DER Interconnection team. Processing: Hosting Capacity map added on August 11, 2017. 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. In practice, this is how it worked from a solar sales perspective: 1. Geneva, NY 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. Created Date: 12/6/2022 2:39:55 PM . pv magazine USA offers daily updates of the latest photovoltaics news. The Department finds that hosting capacity maps can inform the interconnection process and can be a useful tool for interconnecting customers to identify low-cost/no-cost interconnection locations or otherwise inform their investment decisions. But by the time the projects interconnection was returned, a 5 MWac solar project had won approval at the substation. Circuit level data is visible when zoomed below the sixteenth-section scale. Updates: Last updated in February/March 2017, with exception of Hosting Capacity map & supporting Portal documents. As it turned out, the larger-scale ground mount project was moving slowly due to local resistance. In fact, California regulators recently ruled to do just that utilize utility hosting capacity analyses to reduce the complexity of the interconnection process. Log in using your email address if you've already registered. Granularity increases as users zoom in. If you are considering the option of connecting a generator to ComEd's electric transmission system, you must meet certain facility connection and performance requirements that are established to avoid adverse impacts on reliability. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Xcel . The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) respectfully submits the following comments on Xcel Energys 2020 Hosting Capacity Report. It divides the ComEd service territory into townships (6 miles X 6 miles). For these reasons, the installed and queued DG values in the data pop-ups have been included and will be updated on a monthly basis. Each circuit's hosting capacity is determined by evaluating impacts of DER along the three phase distribution mainline. Solar developers take on module manufacturing risk. Your contributions support local solutions. 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. Apply Now. The Commission should accept Xcel Energys 2020 Hosting Capacity Analysis Report, but set more parameters around its implementation. %PDF-1.7 Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy. The library zone below is used to load resources. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com. Here are links to several Hosting Capacity Maps intended for solar developers. ILSR defers further discussion on this topic to Docket No. Pickering, ON We provide localized 8,760 hour forecasts to assist developers in considering the application of DER in our service territory. Multiple states require electric utilities to share their power grid data with solar developers. 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. Image: Interstate Renewable Energy Council screen capture of PG&E map. View interconnection queue information for all Distributed Generation or Distributed Storage Resource Projects. The Hosting Capacity Map shows a considerable disparity among communities in mile by mile sections with some able to host only 100-200 kWs to some with capacities of over 3,000 kW. 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. stream You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. This site uses cookies. E999/CI20-800, rule whether Xcel Energy must comply with Order Point 12 of the July 2020 order. Link leads to external site, Share to Mail. More articles from John Fitzgerald Weaver. By viewing the map below, you agree and acknowledge that: The information in this tool is for guidance purposes only and is not guaranteed. Learn about the benefits of installing solar, along with local and private generation specs and incentives.