OAR 860-082-0045
Tier 1 Interconnection Review
(1)
A public utility must use the Tier 1 review procedures for an application to interconnect a small generator facility that meets the following requirements:(a)
The small generator facility must use lab-tested, inverter-based interconnection equipment;(b)
The small generator facility must have a nameplate capacity of 25 kilowatts or less; and(c)
The small generator facility must not be interconnected to a transmission line.(2)
Tier 1 Approval Criteria. A public utility must approve an application for interconnection under the Tier 1 interconnection review procedures if the small generator facility meets the approval criteria in subsections (a) through (e). A public utility may not impose different or additional approval criteria.(a)
A Tier 1 small generator facility interconnection must use existing public utility facilities.(b)
For interconnection of a small generator facility to a radial distribution circuit, the aggregated nameplate capacity on the circuit must not exceed 15 percent of the line section annual peak load as most recently measured at the substation or calculated for the line section.(c)
For interconnection of a small generator facility to the load side of spot network protectors, the aggregated nameplate capacity on the load side of the spot network protectors must not exceed five percent of a spot network’s maximum load or 50 kilowatts, whichever is less.(d)
For interconnection of a small generator facility to a single-phase shared secondary line, the aggregated nameplate capacity on the line must not exceed 20 kilowatts.(e)
For interconnection of a single-phase small generator facility to the center tap neutral of a 240-volt service line, the addition of the small generator facility must not create a current imbalance between the two sides of the 240-volt service line of more than 20 percent of the nameplate rating of the service transformer.(3)
In addition to the timelines and requirements in OAR 860-082-0025 (Applications to Interconnect a Small Generator Facility), the public utility must provide written notice to the applicant stating whether the small generator facility meets the Tier 1 approval criteria no later than 15 business days from the date a Tier 1 interconnection application is deemed complete.(4)
The interconnection process is not complete until:(a)
The public utility approves the application;(b)
The witness test, if conducted by the public utility, is successful; and(c)
The applicant and public utility execute a certificate of completion. The certificate of completion must follow the standard form certificate developed by the public utility and approved by the Commission.(5)
If a small generator facility is not approved under the Tier 1 interconnection review procedure, then the applicant may submit a new application under the Tier 2, Tier 3, or Tier 4 review procedures. At the applicant’s request, the public utility must provide a written explanation of the reasons for denial within five business days of the request.
Source:
Rule 860-082-0045 — Tier 1 Interconnection Review, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=860-082-0045.