The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Dec. 17, 2020 approved PPL Electric Utilities’ petition for permission to require smart inverters as of Jan. 1, 2021 and monitor and manage those inverters’ settings. The PUC approved the petition, as modified by the settlement reached with parties in the PUC proceeding.
General Interconnection Topics
Application/Installation
Costs
Net Metering
DER Management/Smart Inverters
Battery
Technical Requirements
General Interconnection Topics
Does PPL publish hosting capacity maps or provide hosting capacity information?
Hosting Capacity maps provides an estimate for the amount of DER that can be safely and reliably accommodated on a feeder without requiring system upgrades or inverter setting changes.
PPL does not currently publish any hosting capacity maps nor provide any specific feeder hosting capacity information. Any hosting capacity inquiry on any specific feeders will not be provided to ensure equitable treatment among customers and applicants. However, the following information can be provided upon request during the pre-application stage for a specific customer site:
- Substation name
- Feeder name and voltage (three-phase 12 kV/ single phase 7.2 kV)
- Distance from substation to end of three-phase and end of single-phase lines
- Distance from end of single and three phase lines to the specific customer site
Do the new standards apply to community solar installations? Does PPL have any information or policy regarding community solar?
Though bills have been introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature to approve some form of community solar, nothing has been approved to support or authorize community solar programs or installations.
Are the kW nameplates based upon the AC or DC ratings?
The kW nameplates are based on the net maximum or net instantaneous peak electric output capacity measured in AC (volt-amps) of the generator facility.
What is an Interconnection Impact Review?
A study is completed to determine the impact that the proposed generation would have on our existing facilities. The study is required to ensure the interconnection will not jeopardize the safety of our workers or the public and will not compromise the reliability of the electric grid. You will be notified when you apply if a study is required, the criteria is based on several factors including system size, location, existing facilities, etc.
What are reinforcements/upgrades?
Changes to the grid that are necessary to allow customers to safely connect their DER. Examples of reinforcements:
- Transformer/Service upgrades
- Installing protective devices
- Line Extensions/reconductoring
- Customer installed relays/SCADA
Will solar panels provide emergency power during a power outage?
In most cases, by design, solar inverters must disconnect from the power grid if an outage occurs. This isolation is incorporated as a safety feature to protect your equipment from overloading and to protect electric service personnel.
Energy Storage Systems may allow for solar to generate during an outage, please consult your solar installer for more information on your system’s capabilities.
Could generation systems be modified to supply power during a power outage?
System options for generation include “break before make” transfer switching and battery backup systems. These options are already incorporated on some units and could be added on some existing systems for additional cost. Please reach out to your installer for further information.
May I sell power to my neighbor?
No. Only licensed electric generation suppliers subject to Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regulations may sell power to a third party.
Application/Installation
What is the lead time for permission to interconnect my DER?
Different factors unique to each application may affect your overall timeline which can include:
- An Interconnection Impact Review is required
- Reinforcements are required (each reinforcements have different construction lead times, supply chain requirements, etc.)
- System approval for customer installed relaying
- New/upgrade service installation
- Electrical inspection
- Overall construction time
How do I begin the interconnection process?
Visit the Renewable Energy Connection, an industry-leading online portal designed with customer feedback that lets you easily apply to connect your solar panels or other DER project. Once you’re signed in, click Start New Work Order, then Start Work Order. Select “Distributed Generation” as the type of application you’re submitting.
Can I apply for DER if I do not have an existing account?
If you do not have an existing customer account/meter you will need to fill out a manual application and application for new service.
Must I sign a contract?
Yes. You must electronically sign an interconnection agreement with PPL Electric Utilities. Additional service and construction agreements may be required for larger projects under the jurisdiction of PJM Interconnection.
Does PPL Electric Utilities provide generation equipment or installation services?
No, PPL does not provide generation equipment or installation services. However, PPL does supply the bi-directional metering equipment required for billing and cashout purposes. We also provide DER management equipment appropriate for your installation. You are responsible for generation equipment, installation, and in certain circumstances providing interval data to PPL.
Costs
Are there application fees for interconnection requests? If so, how are they structured?
There is an application fee for all new Distributed Energy Resources-Renewable Energy (DER) interconnection applications. The standard fees outlined in the Public Utility Commission Policy Statement on Interconnection Application Fees were adopted in 2009. These fees are:
|
Levels
|
Brief Description
|
Base Fee
|
Per kW Fee
|
|
1
|
Certified inverter-based installations of 10kW or less.
|
$100
|
None
|
|
2
|
Certified inverter-based installations greater than 10kW but 2000kW or less.
|
$250
|
$1/kW
|
|
3 and 4
|
Non-inverter-based installations of any size and Certified inverter-based installations larger than 2000kW.
|
$350
|
$2/kW
|
Are there any other costs to connect?
There may be costs to connect, depending on the customer equipment size and location. The customer would have to pay PPL Electric Utilities for any upgrades to our system that may be needed to connect their DER resource to the grid. The customer also may need to purchase and install additional equipment other than the renewable energy facilities.
Why am I responsible for paying for reinforcements/upgrades?
Upgrades may be needed to ensure that your DER can be accommodated during all anticipated system conditions and ensure reliability of the grid. As these upgrades allow you to interconnect to the distribution grid, these reinforcement and upgrade costs are your responsibility.
When do I need to pay for these costs to interconnect?
If reinforcements/upgrades are determined to be required for your interconnection, the customer is required to pay a 25% deposit at the time of signing the Notice of Customer Intent (NoCI) and following completion of the interconnection study. The remaining balance must be paid before the start of construction. Additional information will be provided in your Interconnection Impact Review (IIR).
What forms of payment are accepted for the Application Fee?
At this time, only ACH transfer or check payment are accepted.
Net Metering
Will my supplier compensate me for the electricity I produce?
If you have a different supplier, ask if or how you will be compensated. Not all electricity suppliers participate in net metering, and may not compensate customers.
How will PPL Electric Utilities know how much power I produced?
PPL’s bi-directional meter does not know how much power you produced. If the system is producing more electricity than the household is using, then our meter will record how much electricity we receive from you. Your PPL bill will not show your solar production totals. You will only see the production on your production meter or website. The “received” reading on your bill is the excess/unused kWh that was returned to the grid. As you are producing electricity, you use what you produce first. It does not come through the PPL meter as it's being produced. If you aren’t producing enough to cover for what is being used in the home, or at night, you will get the kWh you need from the grid. This is the “delivered” reading on the bill.
How does the bi-directional meter work?
PPL’s bi-directional electric utility meter allows PPL to monitor both energy sent from the grid (delivered) and energy sent back to the grid in excess of premise needs (received).
Why does my solar production meter show a different value than PPL’s meter?
It is important to note that the utility meter is not capable of measuring the total generation of your renewable system, as energy your system produces may be consumed by usage at your premise before it reaches the utility meter. In general; when the solar production exceeds the load consumption, energy produced by your generation minus the energy needs of your premise, should equal your kWh received meter value. Conversely, when the load consumption exceeds the solar production, energy needs of your premise minus the energy produced by your generation will equal your kWh delivered meter value.
Will I be paid for excess power?
Your electric service account must be approved for net-metering. Payments for customers on rate schedules RS and GS1 will be based on the Price to Compare in accordance with PUC regulations. Customers on rate schedules GS3 or LP4 may contact Business Accounts regarding compensation for excess generation.
When and how will I be compensated for any electricity I export?
If the customer is Provider of Last Resort (POLR, aka not shopping), they will receive compensation on an annual basis consistent with the PJM planning period. The Company will compensate the customer generator for kilowatt-hours received from the customer-generator in excess of the kilowatt-hours delivered by the Company’s Price to Compare (PTC) consistent with commission regulations. Each billing cycle will show a net-metering summary of kWh delivered to your home and kWh received back to the grid from excess solar production. We will subtract the number of kWh received from the number of kWh delivered to get the net difference. If we received more kWh than we delivered, the excess will be added to the bank. The banked kWh will carry forward and can be used for future bills. Once a year the bank is cashed out and is reset to 0. This happens as of the May billing cycle. If you have any banked kWh as of your May bill, the bank will be cashed out. For customers that are shopping, please contact your service provider directly for any questions regarding rules and requirements for Net Metering and program payouts.
Will I still get an electric bill if I generate my own power?
Yes. You will continue to receive bill statements from us and will be responsible for the monthly minimum distribution charge that applies to your rate class (see PPL Electric Utilities’ tariff.) Demand charges may apply for GS-1 and GS-3 rate customers. We need to have the same power lines, metering equipment and facilities in place to serve you — whether we’re needed as a backup source of supply or to take and distribute excess power that you produce. The minimum monthly charge, or customer charge, covers a portion of our costs to provide and maintain this equipment. Other charges may apply in certain circumstances.
DER Management/Smart Inverters
Is PPL Electric Utilities making smart inverters a requirement for new renewable energy installations?
Yes. In 2019, PPL Electric Utilities filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) for permission to require smart inverters as of Jan. 1, 2021 and monitor and manage those inverters’ settings. The PUC approved the petition, as modified by the settlement reached with parties in the PUC proceeding, on Dec. 17, 2020. Click here for more information on required inverters.
Under the PUC-approved settlement, customers will be required to install smart inverters for new inverter based DER systems beginning Jan. 1, 2021. In addition, PPL will establish the smart inverters’ default Volt/VAR settings and the default settings for Voltage Ride-through and Frequency Ride-through. PPL also will conduct a pilot program to test and evaluate the costs and benefits of monitoring and actively managing the smart inverters.
Why did PPL make this change?
PPL’s proposal is designed to produce substantial electric service, safety, and reliability benefits for PPL and its customers while also facilitating the increased deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) throughout the company’s service territory, as is consistent with Pennsylvania’s environmental objectives. The ability to monitor and manage smart inverters is intended to: (1) provide PPL with another tool to maintain the safety and reliability of PPL’s distribution system; and (2) be combined with other DER management tools to help reduce major investments in new lines or equipment to accommodate more renewable power coming onto the distribution system.
What is the difference between an inverter and smart inverter?
An inverter is a critical part of a renewable energy system that converts direct current (DC) electricity that is generated by the system into alternating current (AC) electricity for use in homes and businesses. In order for your system to deliver power within your home or to send power back onto the grid, it must be in the form of AC power.
A smart inverter is an inverter with additional capabilities and features intended to improve grid reliability, power quality, and safety.
Some of these features include adjustments for frequency, voltage, and power factor. An important feature of a smart inverter is the capability to communicate with the utility company to monitor inverter output and power grid conditions. Additionally, smart inverters approved by PPL allow us, under the PUC-approved pilot program, to make adjustments to the inverters’ settings, thereby improving overall power quality and grid reliability.
Can I Opt out of PPL Electric’s DER Management Pilot Program?
PPL Electric’s Tariff Rule 12 governs the interconnection of DER (Distributed Energy Resource) generators on or after January 1, 2021. This new rule was approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) in late 2020 and is a requirement of interconnecting inverter-based DER systems going forward. There is no opt-out provision included in this Tariff Rule. It is important to note that the Pilot Program is a pilot for PPL EU, and is not a pilot for our customers.
Where can I get more information on approved smart inverters?
PPL has published a list of inverters that meet UL1741 Supplement B standards, as well as the requirements of the PUC’s final order approving the company's petition.
Why does PPL Electric require me to network my inverters? As part of our DER Management Pilot Program requirements, PPL Electric is permitted to install a limited number of management devices per calendar year. To prevent the installation of multiple management devices and to keep installations as aesthetically viable as possible, we require networking of all inverters which are part of a single application submission. This allows PPL to expand our Pilot Program to encompass as many of our customers as possible, while at the same time keeping the amount of utility equipment required for your installation to a minimum.
What is this going to cost me?
PPL will install – at no direct cost to the customer - equipment that enables wireless communication between the smart inverter and PPL. The installation of this equipment will vary by system type and be coordinated with your DER installer or the person designated in your interconnection application. However, the customer continues to be responsible for all installation costs associated with DER, including the smart inverter.
What aspects of my inverter will you be monitoring?
PPL will monitor the operational characteristics (e.g., current, voltage, power, etc.) and grid support functions of your smart inverter. The grid support functions to be monitored by PPL are: (1) Volt/VAR; (2) Constant Power Factor; (3) Remote On/Off; (4) Voltage Ride-through; (5) Frequency Ride-through; (6) Volt-Watt.
What aspects of my inverter will you be managing?
PPL will establish the smart inverters’ default Volt/VAR settings and the default settings for Voltage Ride-through and Frequency Ride-through. PPL is authorized to actively manage the following grid support settings: (1) Volt/VAR; (2) Constant Power Factor; (3) Remote On/Off; (4) Voltage Ride-through; (5) Frequency Ride-through. Remote On/Off will only be used on battery storage or solar systems that have not safely isolated or have unintentionally “islanded” from the distribution situation in emergency situations or during a power outage. PPL will only enable and manage the Volt-Watt function with the consent of the customer. Under PPL’s Pilot Program, there will be some customers, in a control group, whose inverters are not managed, but only monitored.
How often will PPL manage my inverter?
PPL will manage smart inverter settings to improve the safety, power quality, and reliability of its electric service. PPL cannot predict with certainty how often it will manage those settings, as the answer will greatly depend on the conditions on the company's distribution system over the course of the pilot program.
However, if PPL makes any adjustments to a smart inverter’s settings, the company will provide details on those adjustments in the annual report provided to the customer, including the number of times that each setting was adjusted. Customers in the pilot program’s control group will not have their smart inverters actively managed during the pilot program.
Will I notice if PPL makes changes to my smart inverter?
These adjustments should not be noticeable by customers. However, when changes in inverters are made across an entire neighborhood or region, the intended outcome is to improve the power quality and reliability of service to our customers.
How will I know if/when you manage my inverter?
PPL will provide a personalized annual report to all DER customers whose inverter(s) have their grid support settings adjusted during a pilot program year.
If PPL actively manages my smart inverter, could that affect my installation’s output?
The primary function of any inverter/DER management is grid safety, power quality, and reliability of service to customers. Any reduction to output should be infrequent and should have an extremely limited impact on annual kWh output. On the other hand, PPL may be able to increase the total annual kWh output by taking advantage of the smart inverters’ settings, such as the ride-through settings. If applicable, the report you will receive each year will have an estimate of the net impact on the kWh output associated with PPL’s management of your inverter.
Could PPL shut off my smart inverter?
PPL’s use of the smart inverters’ Remote On/Off functionality will be limited and used only on inverter based DER’s that have not safely isolated or “islanded” from the distribution system in emergency situations (such as a gas leak or fire in the vicinity of the DER) or during power outages. These events are rare, and PPL must always put safety first.
Who do I call if I have additional questions on the report?
Is there a website or portal for me to get information on the performance of my inverter?
Your inverter manufacturer/installer may provide a website or app where you are able to view the performance of your inverter(s).
I don’t want to install one of the approved smart inverters, so what options do I have?
If you would like to use an inverter not currently found on PPL’s approved list, the equipment will first require the submission and verification of supporting documentation, followed by communication validation testing of the inverter by PPL.
PPL Electric follows a streamlined process for testing new inverters requesting for approval. The steps are laid out as following:
First, the inverter manufacturer needs to provide proof of UL 1741 Supplement B certification for the inverter(s) being submitted for review and testing. This can be provided by way of a Certificate of Compliance, or other official certification document issued by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
In addition, the inverter manufacturer shall provide technical information on its inverter model, including but not limited to its communication protocol, data models and configuration profiles. The Company would also work with inverter manufacturer to obtain a test model for testing in its lab.
Next, after all requested information has been submitted to the Company and test model has been made available, inverter testing would begin in the following sequence:
- DER Communication Protocol Testing
PPL Electric needs to validate that one of the three approved protocols (IEEE 2030.5 (SEP2), IEEE 1815(DNP3) or SunSpec Modbus) is supported by the target DER device under test as a local communication interface.
- Profile Configuration including Data Point Mapping
PPL Electric needs to develop and load the proper server profile configuration to allow data points to flow correctly between server and client.
- Read Points Testing
PPL Electric needs to test and validate the capability to receive data from the DER system via the inverters via local communication interface.
- Write Points Testing
PPL Electric needs to test and validate the capability to monitor and manage grid support functions of the inverters via local communication interface.
- DER Management Device Testing
PPL Electric needs to test and validate end-to-end testing between DER and its DERMS/ADMS system via DER management devices.
After testing is concluded and results are verified by leadership, the Company will add the tested inverter model to its Approved List of Smart Inverters. At that time, the inverter will appear in the Renewable Energy Connection web portal for selection when completing an interconnection application.
This requested information must be submitted to the appropriate address:
PPL Electric will conduct communication validation testing in a timely manner. Upon receipt of an inverter and all information requested, we endeavor to complete communication validation testing expeditiously. If approved, PPL Electric will add the new inverter to the approved list of equipment. Testing timelines will be affected if the Company (1) is provided with incorrect/incomplete information; (2) is unable to procure/obtain a physical inverter; (3) finds deficiencies requiring the inverter manufacturer’s cooperation; or (4) encounters other similar issues.
An inverter which does not function properly or perform in accordance with REMSI requirements during testing will not be added to the approved inverter list. In these instances, PPL will seek assistance from the manufacturer and attempt to resolve these technical deficiencies. Unfortunately, we cannot commit to any timelines with respect to resolving these technical issues, nor can we guarantee the matter will be resolved or that the inverter will be approved.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions on PPL’s DER program and smart inverters?
Battery
Can I install battery backup?
Yes. You may begin a battery energy storage application by visiting PPL’s Renewable Energy Web Portal.
Can I install solar and battery?
Yes - PPL supports both AC and DC coupled energy storage configurations. You may begin a solar plus battery energy storage application or the addition of a battery energy storage system to an existing solar system by visiting PPL’s Renewable Energy Web Portal.
Does PPL publish hosting capacity maps or provide hosting capacity information?
Hosting Capacity maps provides an estimate for the amount of DER that can be safely and reliably accommodated on a feeder without requiring system upgrades or inverter setting changes.
PPL does not currently publish any hosting capacity maps nor provide any specific feeder hosting capacity information. Any hosting capacity inquiry on any specific feeders will not be provided to ensure equitable treatment among customers and applicants. However, the following information can be provided upon request during the pre-application stage for a specific customer site:
- Substation name
- Feeder name and voltage (three-phase 12 kV/ single phase 7.2 kV)
- Distance from substation to end of three-phase and end of single-phase lines
- Distance from end of single and three phase lines to the specific customer site
Do the new standards apply to community solar installations? Does PPL have any information or policy regarding community solar?Though bills have been introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature to approve some form of community solar, nothing has been approved to support or authorize community solar programs or installations.
Are the kW nameplates based upon the AC or DC ratings?
The kW nameplates are based on the net maximum or net instantaneous peak electric output capacity measured in AC (volt-amps) of the generator facility.
What is an Interconnection Impact Review?
A study is completed to determine the impact that the proposed generation would have on our existing facilities. The study is required to ensure the interconnection will not jeopardize the safety of our workers or the public and will not compromise the reliability of the electric grid. You will be notified when you apply if a study is required, the criteria is based on several factors including system size, location, existing facilities, etc.
What are reinforcements/upgrades?
Changes to the grid that are necessary to allow customers to safely connect their DER. Examples of reinforcements:
- Transformer/Service upgrades
- Installing protective devices
- Line Extensions/reconductoring
- Customer installed relays/SCADA
Will solar panels provide emergency power during a power outage?
In most cases, by design, solar inverters must disconnect from the power grid if an outage occurs. This isolation is incorporated as a safety feature to protect your equipment from overloading and to protect electric service personnel.
Energy Storage Systems may allow for solar to generate during an outage, please consult your solar installer for more information on your system’s capabilities.
Could generation systems be modified to supply power during a power outage?
System options for generation include “break before make” transfer switching and battery backup systems. These options are already incorporated on some units and could be added on some existing systems for additional cost. Please reach out to your installer for further information.
May I sell power to my neighbor?
No. Only licensed electric generation suppliers subject to Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regulations may sell power to a third party.
Technical Requirements
Where can I find PPL technical requirements?
Please visit the Technical Documents link for information on all requirements regarding, relaying, REMSI sketches, Approved Inverter List, network communications diagram, etc.
What is an AC Disconnect, and why do I need one?
An AC Disconnect is a device which allows for isolation of a DER system, like solar, from the electric grid. These may be used by first responders and utility personnel to safely disconnect a DER generator due to any imminent safety conditions that may arise. The AC Disconnect provides a visible air gap between the electrical connections which allows for verification that an electrical circuit has been opened; it also provides a provision to padlock the operation handle in the OFF position for safety purposes. AC Disconnects are required per Chapter 75 of the Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) Act, and by PPL Electric Utilities.
Is a circuit breaker an acceptable AC Disconnect device?
Generally, circuit breakers do not meet the requirement for an approved AC Disconnect device. The exception to this is draw-out type circuit breakers, such as those found in large switchgear equipment. These breakers may be used as a suitable disconnection device, provided that the breaker can accept a padlock and be locked in the draw/rack-out position.
Which methods of DER electrical interconnection are supported by PPL Electric?
PPL Electric currently supports three methods of interconnecting DER generation which can be found by visiting our DER Sketch Table page:
- Load-side (interconnections which occur on the load side of a customer’s main service disconnect)
- Line-side (interconnections which occur on the line side of a customer’s main service disconnect, but on the load side of the customer’s billing meter)
- Approved Meter Collar Device (a self-contained electrical interconnection collar, which sits physically between the meter base and the customer’s billing meter, and electrically resembles a line-side interconnection)
While PPL Electric supports the above interconnection methods, the customer’s local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may have their own specific requirements regarding approved interconnection methods in their territory. We encourage you to contact the customer’s local AHJ prior to construction, should you have questions on what interconnection methods are approved within their jurisdiction.