06-14-2024
a. Conditions for Interconnection - Permitted by PPL Electric
b. Conditions for Interconnection - Customer Requirements
c. Detrimental Installation
d. Isolation Device Requirements
e. Installation of Inverter-Based Generation – General
f. Communications Port – Access and Safe Workspace
g. Customer Responsible for Configuration of all Non-Accessible Inverters
h. Delta Transformer Service not Supported for DER Interconnection
Rule 28 - Customer's Equipment - Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Operated in Parallel with PPL Electric's System
- Conditions for Interconnection - Permitted by PPL Electric:
PPL Electric will permit the customer to interconnect a distributed energy resources (DER) system with PPL Electric's system so long as the customer's system is installed in accordance with PPL Electric specifications and is deemed by PPL Electric to be compatible in all respects with the operation of PPL Electric's system.
- Conditions for Interconnection - Customer Requirements:
The customer shall furnish complete nameplate data on the proposed inverter-based and prime mover generator(s) and consult with PPL Electric on requirements for interconnection. Before installation, the customer shall obtain PPL Electric’s written approval of the customer's initial plans so that PPL Electric can determine the DER system’s compatibility with PPL Electric’s system. The customer shall not interconnect with PPL Electric's system until:
- The customer, through PPL Electric’s On-line Portal, submits an application, signs an Interconnection Agreement (IA) with PPL Electric for interconnection, and submits a Certificate of Completion (COC).
- The customer obtains acceptance from PPL Electric of installed inter-tie relaying and associated facilities.
- The customer, at its own expense, makes the required modifications for PPL Electric for the interconnection with PPL Electric's system.
- Detrimental Installations:
In accordance with the Tariff, the customer will be required to disconnect the DER system from PPL Electric's system if, for any reason, PPL Electric deems the continuation of the interconnected system is or may be detrimental to the operation of PPL Electric's facilities.
- Isolation Device Requirements:
The customer shall install and maintain a lockable AC (Alternating Current) Disconnect with visible air-break which isolates the DER system from the utility grid when operated. The AC Disconnect shall be installed within 3 feet and line-of-sight of the utility billing meter, with the operational handle in arm’s reach, and with no obstructions that impede operation of, or access to, the device. Draw-Out type circuit breakers are permissible for use as an isolation device, provided that the breaker can accept a padlock and be locked in the draw/rack-out position.
Deviation to location of isolation device requires written approval from PPL Electric and may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
- Installation of Inverter-Based Generation – General
The customer shall ensure that the DER system will support all requirements outlined in Tariff Rule 12. Such requirements include (but are not necessarily limited to) submission of communication diagrams for technical review showing inverter networking and earmarked communications ports, enabling of all relevant communication functionality within the inverter(s) and other ancillary communication equipment, maintenance of ongoing communications between inverter(s) and PPL Electric’s DER Management Device, and allowance of access to the DER Management Device and associated inverter(s) by PPL Electric field personnel at reasonable hours as required for maintenance of the DER Management Device.
- Communications Port – Access, Power and Safe Workspace
The customer shall construct to current approved utility standards (DER Sketch Table), and ensure the communications port earmarked for utility use remains safely accessible to utility personnel at all reasonable hours. Communications port shall be installed no higher than 5 feet above level grade and provide a minimum safe working space of 3 feet by 3 feet. Ladders or any other portable steps shall not be necessary to reach the equipment. Safe workspace shall contain no obstructions that impede operation of, or access to, the earmarked communications port. The earmarked communications port should be appropriately labeled for utility use to avoid potential delays. Customer shall install an accessible circuit breaker to de-energize the DER management device power source unless the power source can be de-energized by the generator isolation device.
Deviation from this rule: the customers must obtain written approval from PPL prior to installation. As a result of deviating from this rule, the customer may provide both a communications connection and a 120V or 277V power source (hot/ground/neutral, safely terminated) within a NEMA 3R or better junction box located per requirements above.
- Customer Responsible for Configuration of All Non-Accessible Inverters
Under normal circumstances, PPL Electric will perform required inverter configurations to ensure all customer-networked inverters operate as expected with the Company-owned DER Management Device. Should configurations be required for any inverter(s) not safely accessible per Section F of this Rule, the customer shall be responsible for performing this work at the customer’s own expense. Utility field technicians shall verify expected functionality prior to installing a DER Management Device. Please contact PPL Electric’s Customer Service department should you require support for configuration of non-accessible inverters.
- Delta Transformer Service not Supported for DER Interconnection
The following service configurations are not eligible for DER interconnection. Customer shall submit a change in service voltage request prior to submitting an application for renewable generation.
- 120/240 Delta (Three phase)
- 240/480 Delta (Three phase)