Generation Interconnection Process

All generator interconnection requests are managed through PacifiCorp Transmission Service’s (PTS) Generation Interconnection Queue according to the following sets of procedures:

  • Generator interconnections subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) are processed according to the timelines and study procedures set forth in PacifiCorp’s Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT). Generators less than or equal to twenty (20) MWs (small) or more than twenty (2) MWs (large) that interconnect to PacifiCorp’s Transmission System are FERC-jurisdictional and are subject to the requirements set forth in the OATT.
  • Other generator interconnections (Qualifying Facilities and generators that are interconnecting to PacifiCorp’s distribution system) are processed according to state rules, or in absence of state rules governing interconnections, they are processed according to the OATT study procedures for consistency and efficiency.
Purpose of Generation Interconnection Queue
  • Treat all customers equally and in a non-discriminatory manner 
    • Requests managed in the order received
    • Common interconnection requirements required for all projects
  • Maintain safety of the system
  • Maintain reliability of the system
  • Ensure appropriate cost responsibility for interconnection costs
  • Comply with state or federal regulations and requirements
Cost Responsibility
The customer must pay actual study costs, regardless of requested deposits.
  • Upon completion of the study, account is reconciled and a refund or invoice is compiled
  • Transmission interconnections pay all costs of modifications, but receive transmission credits for network upgrades
  • Distribution Customers and Qualifying Facilities pay all costs of modifications required for interconnection and delivery and DO NOT receive transmission credits for network upgrades
Standard Study Process and Timelines
  1. Application/validation
  2. Scoping meeting
  3. Feasibility Study (optional)
  4. System Impact Study
  5. Facilities Study
  6. Interconnection agreement
  7. Engineering, procurement and construction
Timing – Steps 1-6 can require up to one year or more. Step 7 can require 6 to 18 months.
Fast Track – if you qualify for the Fast Track process (<2 MW) your timelines will be different.
Construction Timelines

Construction begins after the interconnection agreements are signed and require 6 to 18 months to complete.

Current Generation Interconnection Queue
If you would like to view the projects currently in PacifiCorp’s Generation Interconnection Queue please visit OASIS.
Three Types of Agreements will be Required
  1. Interconnection Agreement. This agreement allows you to connect your generator to the power company’s transmission or distribution system, as applicable.
  1. Power Purchase Agreement. This agreement governs the sale of your electricity to the power company (doesn’t apply for net metering, see below).
PacifiCorp Contact: Bruce Griswold
503-813-5218
 
Interconnection customers should contact transmission services for interconnection timelines prior to committing to power purchase agreement delivery dates
 
  1. Transmission Service Agreement. This agreement allows you to move power across the company’s transmission system. In the case of a generator that is selling its electricity to the power company, transmission service is typically contracted for by the company purchasing the power from the generator.
PacifiCorp Contact: Nita O’Hara
503-813-5588
Net Metering
Net metering measures the difference between the electricity you buy from us and the electricity you generate using your own solar, wind or other acceptable renewable generating equipment. 

With net metering, you use the electricity you generate first, reducing what you would normally buy from us. If you generate more energy than you use, the excess goes through your electric meter and into the grid.
 
If you decide to participate, you will need to have your renewable generator approved by code. Then, you will need to sign a net metering agreement and we will install a net meter at your location.
 
 

PacifiCorp Contact

Travis Tanner
503-813-6730
 
Facility Interconnection Requirements for Transmission

This policy addresses the requirements for generation facilities, transmission facilities, and end-user facilities that are interconnected to PacifiCorp's transmission system.

PDF View policy.

Facility Interconnection Requirements for Distribution

This policy explains the technical requirements for interconnection of generators to PacifiCorp's distribution power systems.

PDF View policy.

 

Types of Generation Interconnections

Large Generation Interconnections (LGI)

Large generating facilities are greater than twenty (20) MWs and connect to PacifiCorp's transmission system at 46 kV and higher. As noted above, large generator interconnections must be processed according to PacifiCorp’s OATT.

Small Generation Interconnections (SGI)

Small generating facilities are equal to or less than twenty (≤20) MWs and connect to PacifiCorp's transmission system at 46 kV and higher. Small generator interconnections must be processed according to PacifiCorp’s OATT.

Distribution Generation Interconnections (DGI)

Distribution generating facilities are less than twenty (20) MWs and connect to PacifiCorp's distribution system at 46 kV and below. Distribution interconnection projects are processed according to applicable state laws.

Qualifying Facility Generation Interconnections (QF)

A Qualifying Facility is a project that meets the requirements set forth in the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 and is generally a project generating less than eighty (<80) MW that is selling electricity to the host utility. Generally speaking, a primary benefit of being a Qualifying Facility is that PacifiCorp must buy the project output at a pre-determined avoided cost rate.

PacifiCorp's Oregon Tariff Schedules 37 and 38 provide the pricing, terms and conditions for the sale of output by an Oregon qualifying facility to Pacificorp. PacifiCorp's published avoided cost rates in Oregon are subject to periodic change as provided in OAR 860-029-0080(3), (7) and (8). Schedules 37 and 38, together with notice of any pending application by PacifiCorp for changes to published avoided cost rates in Oregon, are posted here. As stated in Schedules 37 and 38, power purchase agreements are administered by PacifiCorp's merchant function (PacifiCorp's commercial and trading department). Any questions regarding power purchase agreements or PacifiCorp's avoided cost rates should be directed to PacifiCorp's commercial and trading department.

 

Please select the appropriate link below for information about the interconnection process for your potential generator interconnection with PacifiCorp.