Section 467.60  General Requirements

a)         When an interconnection request for a DER facility includes multiple energy production devices at a site for which the applicant seeks a single point of interconnection, the interconnection request shall be evaluated based on the aggregate nameplate capacity of the multiple devices.

b)         When an interconnection request is for an increase in capacity for an existing DER facility, the interconnection request shall be evaluated based on the incremental impact of the new total nameplate capacity of the DER facility.

c)         EDCs shall publish on their websites a dedicated email address and phone number as a point of contact. The point of contact shall be able to direct applicant questions concerning interconnection request submissions and the interconnection request process to knowledgeable individuals within the EDC.

d)         The information that the EDC makes available to potential applicants can include prior EDC studies to help applicants understand whether it is feasible to interconnect a DER facility at a particular point on the EDC's electric distribution system. However, the EDC can refuse to provide the information to the extent that providing it violates security requirements or confidentiality agreements, or is contrary to State or federal law. In appropriate circumstances, the EDC may require a confidentiality agreement prior to release of this information.  If the EDC refuses to provide the requested information, it shall give written notice to the applicant requesting the information, which shall include the specific reasons that preclude sharing the requested information.

e)         The EDC shall deem an interconnection request complete when the applicant submits completed forms.

f)         When an applicant is not currently a customer of the EDC at the proposed site, the applicant shall provide, at the time of application, proof of the applicant's legal right to control the site, evidenced by the applicant's name on a property tax bill, deed, lease agreement, option agreement, or other legally binding contract.

g)         An interconnection request shall be processed in accordance with Section 467.70.

h)         The EDC or the applicant may propose a single point of interconnection for multiple DER facilities located at an interconnection customer site that is on contiguous property. If the applicant rejects the EDC's proposal for a single point of interconnection, the applicant shall pay any additional cost to provide a separate point of interconnection for each DER facility. If the EDC, without written and detailed technical explanation, rejects the customer's proposal for a single point of interconnection, the EDC shall pay any additional study cost to provide separate points of interconnection for each DER facility. Any disagreement over who bears the cost for providing separate points of interconnection shall be resolved in accordance with Section 467.80.

i)          The interconnection customer shall allow the EDC to isolate the DER facility. The interconnection customer shall permit the EDC to affix a placard in a location of its choosing that provides instructions to EDC operating personnel for accessing the isolation device. If the EDC needs to isolate the DER facility, the EDC shall not be held liable for any damages resulting from the actions necessary to isolate the generation facility as long as the EDC is not negligent in isolating the DER facility.  Isolation device specifications shall be established through the study review procedures at Section 467.70.

j)          Any metering required for a DER interconnection shall be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with applicable EDC tariffs and agreements. Metering requirements must be identified in the DER interconnection agreement executed between the interconnection customer and the EDC.

k)         Monitoring and control requirements shall be consistent with the EDC's published requirements, which shall be consistent with industry standards, and shall be clearly identified in the interconnection agreement between the interconnection customer and the EDC. Transfer trip shall not be considered EDC monitoring and control when required and installed to protect the electric distribution system or an affected system against adverse system impacts.

l)          The EDC may require a witness test after the DER facility is constructed or after the revisions are completed. The applicant shall provide the EDC with at least 15 business days' notice of a planned witness test for the DER facility, unless otherwise agreed by the EDC and applicant. The applicant and EDC shall schedule the witness test at a mutually agreeable time. Any disputes between the parties as to what constitutes a witness test shall be resolved under Section 467.80.  If the DER facility does not satisfactorily pass the witness test, the applicant shall be granted 30 business days after the date of the witness test or dispute resolution to address and resolve any deficiencies.  The time period for addressing and resolving any deficiencies may be extended upon the mutual agreement of the EDC and the applicant prior to the end of the 30 business days. An initial request for extension shall not be denied by the EDC; subsequent requests may be denied only if there are applicants later in the queue that would be impacted by additional delays. If the applicant fails to address and resolve the deficiencies to the EDC's satisfaction, the EDC may deem the interconnection request withdrawn. Even if the EDC or an entity approved by the EDC does not witness a commissioning test, the applicant remains obligated to satisfy the EDC's interconnection test specifications and requirements.

m)        When an interconnection request is for modifications to an existing DER facility, the EDC shall review the interconnection request to determine if any studies are necessary. If no studies are necessary, the EDC shall inform the applicant that the requested revisions are acceptable and can proceed without further analysis by the EDC. The provisions of this Part shall continue to apply to any revisions made to the existing DER facility.

n)         Each EDC shall allow interconnection requests to be submitted through the EDC's web site.

o)         Each EDC shall dedicate a page on its website to interconnection procedures. The relevant website page shall include the following information updated as it changes or with the frequency specifically identified in this subsection:

1)         the EDC's interconnection procedures and attachments in an electronically searchable format;

2)         the EDC's interconnection request forms in a format that allows for electronic entry of data;

3)         the EDC's interconnection agreements;

4)         the EDC's point of contact for submission of interconnection requests, including a dedicated email address and phone number;

5)         the EDC's interconnection queue;

6)         the EDC's hosting capacity map;

7)         for EDCs serving more than 500,000 customers, the EDC's hosting capacity analysis results, including, at minimum, mapping and GIS capability; and

8)         an electronic form to request the technical standards required by Section 467.90.

p)         Each EDC shall allow electronic signatures to be used for interconnection requests and agreements.

q)         Each EDC shall accept electronic payments for interconnection fees and study costs.

r)          EDCs and interconnection customers may enter into an agreement to allow the EDC to actively communicate with, and control, the interconnection customer's smart inverter or plant controller in order to reduce the facilities and costs associated with interconnection.

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9788, effective May 26, 2022)