Application Process

Introducing: DER Interconnection Pre-Application

The pre-application process is used to evaluate potential Distributed Energy Resource (DER) customer locations. Requesting a DER pre-application is optional, but the results of the application provide valuable information to the applicant, including the anticipated system reinforcements required to support the interconnection of a DER to PPL Electric Utilities’ distribution system. The customer is responsible for the costs associated with those reinforcements. The application response also includes an estimated timeline and costs based on load projections and the system configuration as of the date of the request.

• A DER pre-application can be requested for up to two generation nameplate sizes (kW) of the same generation type/energy source and at the same geographical location. This helps customers and developers determine how interconnection costs/timelines may vary, depending on the size of the generator. 
• To cover PPL Electric Utilities costs associated with this analysis, a flat fee of $750 per DER pre-application must be paid upon receipt of invoice through ACH (Automated Clearing House), or by check. Full payment is required before your pre-application can be processed. There is no limit on the number of DER pre-applications that can be submitted if pre-application fees are paid for each submission. This fee is non-refundable and cannot be applied to past or future Interconnection Application fees. 
• Processing of each DER pre-application will take approximately four to six weeks and depends on a completed application being submitted and timeliness of pre-application invoice payment. 
• Once a complete pre-application and fees are submitted, each pre-application will be reviewed based on the order in which it is received. 
• The pre-application will provide a very general estimate of the costs and longest lead time elements of interconnections, such as significant line or substation upgrades.
• The pre-application results are not binding on PPL Electric Utilities and do not waive or replace the applicant’s requirement to submit an interconnection application as the pre-application does not establish a queue position. Please note: during the pre-application review, any prior interconnection application submission will be reviewed as part of the study.

While the DER pre-application is open to all customers and developers, we expect this new process to be most useful to developers of large interconnection projects (>= 500 kW) nameplate who are seeking order-of-magnitude costs to make more informed business decisions. Again, this is an optional step intended to provide general information about anticipated system upgrades, as well as estimated costs based on recent system data. See below for a visual illustration of the process. 

Download, complete and email the pre-application to DERapplications@pplweb.com

Download Pre-application

  

• If you do not have an existing PPL Electric account, click here.
• For those with an existing PPL Electric account, you can follow the process below.

Welcome to PPL’s Renewable Energy Connection, an industry-leading online portal where you can easily apply to connect your solar panels or other distributed generation projects. There are two steps to connecting your distributed generation project to the grid:

1. Online application: The application, which should be submitted before installation and must be approved by us, will provide us with details about your project.
2. Certification of Completion: Once your application is approved, install the system and fill out the Certificate of Completion online.

Our online application:

• Streamlines the application process.
• Allows you to upload supporting documents immediately for possible Fast Track approval.
• Helps prevent data errors that could delay approval.
• Provides email notifications on your application status.
• Gives you a work order number and status immediately.