ARIZONA - ACC Acts to Create
Statewide Interconnection Standards for DG
Arizona Corporation
Commission (ACC) Staff recently held a workshop to consider outstanding
issues concerning distributed generation (DG), including DG interconnection, net
metering, rate design and the establishment of a program to encourage the
installation of self-generation equipment. The workshop, held July 8, 2005,
addressed DG interconnection, and proposed using Texas's interconnection
standard as a model. Staff noted at the workshop that it aims to produce a
report on interconnection by December 2005. (In 1999, the ACC initiated a
workshop process that resulted in a draft interconnection standard for DG in
Arizona. The draft standard and other reports related to this docket [No.
E-00000A-99-0431] are available at
www.cc.state.az.us/working/index.htm.)
Participants in the July 2005 workshop were encouraged to develop a list of
goals that Arizona's DG interconnection standard should address. The group
discussed at length which interconnection standard should be used as a model to
begin the process. Both Arizona Public Service and Tucson Electric Power
currently use the Arizona draft standard established by the 1999 DG workshop
process. The two utilities stated that Arizona's draft standard is the most
appropriate model because many of the relevant in-state issues were resolved
during the 1999 DG workshop process. Other participants, including the Arizona
Cogeneration Association/Distributed Energy Association of Arizona (DEAA), and
the Greater Tucson Coalition for Solar Energy, indicated that the Texas model
was the best model to use. DEAA stated that the Arizona draft standard is flawed
because it does not address time limits for the application/approval process,
pre-certified equipment and other matters. Some stakeholders stated the Texas
Distributed Interconnection Manual and IEEE 1547 should be considered in
addition to the standards and procedures provided as handouts at the workshop.
Workshop participants were invited to submit comment that incorporates language
or concepts from any other interconnection standards, as well as recommendations
for improvements to current Arizona procedures. Comments were due July 29, 2005.
Staff also requested that utilities submit their current DG interconnection
documents. All comments and utility interconnection documents and comments will
be available at
www.cc.state.az.us/utility/electric/dg.htm.
The ACC has invited stakeholders to join the service list by sending a notice to
the ACC's Docket Control Center at 1200 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007. This
notice should reference Docket No. E-00000A-99-0431, indicate interest in
workshop participation, and include both a mailing address and email address.
The next workshop will be held on August 26, 2005. A workshop agenda will be
circulated to participants prior to the workshop. For more information, contact
Barbara Keene, of the ACC, at (602) 542-0853; or Erinn Andreasen, also of the
ACC, at (602) 542-0748.