OAR 860-039-0030
Level 1 Net Metering Interconnection Review
(1)
A net metering facility meeting the following criteria is eligible for Level 1 interconnection review:(a)
The facility is inverter-based; and(b)
The facility has a capacity of 25 kilowatts or less.(2)
The public utility must approve interconnection under the Level 1 interconnection review procedure if:(a)
The aggregate generation capacity on the distribution circuit to which the net metering facility will interconnect, including the capacity of the net metering facility, will not contribute more than 10 percent to the distribution circuit’s maximum fault current at the point on the high voltage (primary) level that is nearest the proposed point of common coupling.(b)
A net metering facility’s point of common coupling will not be on a transmission line, a spot network, or an area network.(c)
If a net metering facility is to be connected to a radial distribution circuit, the aggregate generation capacity connected to the circuit, including that of the net metering facility, will not exceed 10 percent (15 percent for solar electric generation) of the circuit’s total annual peak load, as most recently measured at the substation.(d)
If a net metering facility is to be connected to a single-phase shared secondary, the aggregate generation capacity connected to the shared secondary, including the net metering facility, will not exceed 20 kilovolt-amps.(e)
If a single-phase net metering facility is to be connected to a transformer center tap neutral of a 240 volt service, the addition of the net metering facility will not create a current imbalance between the two sides of the 240 volt service of more than 20 percent of nameplate rating of the service transformer.(3)
Within 10 business days after the public utility notifies a Level 1 applicant that the application is complete, the public utility must notify the applicant that:(a)
The net metering facility meets all applicable criteria and the interconnection will be approved upon installation of any required meter upgrade, completion of any required inspection of the facility, and execution of an interconnection agreement; or(b)
The net metering facility has failed to meet one or more of the applicable criteria and the interconnection application is denied.(4)
If a public utility does not notify a Level 1 applicant in writing or by electronic mail whether the interconnection is approved or denied within 20 business days after the receipt of an application, the interconnection will be deemed approved. Interconnections approved under this section remain subject to section 7 below.(5)
Within three business days after sending the notice to an applicant that the proposed interconnection meets the Level 1 requirements, a public utility must notify the applicant whether:(a)
An inspection of the net metering facility for compliance with the net metering rules is required prior to the operation of the facility; and(b)
An interconnection agreement is required for the net metering facilities. If required, the public utility must also execute and send to the applicant a Level 1 interconnection agreement, unless the applicant has already submitted such an agreement with its application for interconnection.(6)
On receipt of any required executed interconnection agreement from the applicant and satisfactory completion of any required inspection, the public utility will approve the interconnection, conditioned on compliance with all applicable building codes.(7)
A customer-generator will notify the public utility of the anticipated start date for operation of the net metering facility at least five business days prior to starting operation, either through the submittal of the interconnection agreement or in a separate notice. If the public utility requires an inspection of the net metering facility, the applicant will not begin operating the facility until satisfactory completion of the inspection.(8)
If an application for Level 1 interconnection review is denied because it does not meet one or more of the applicable requirements in this section, an applicant may resubmit the application under the Level 2 or Level 3 interconnection review procedure, as appropriate.
Source:
Rule 860-039-0030 — Level 1 Net Metering Interconnection Review, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=860-039-0030.