Resiliency Project Engagement Guide

 

Sky Maverick

Rule 21

As defined in PU Code Section 8370(d), a microgrid is an interconnected system of loads and energy resources, including, but not limited to, distributed energy resources, energy storage, demand response tools, or other management, forecasting, and analytical tools, appropriately sized to meet customer needs, within a clearly defined electrical boundary that can act as a single, controllable entity, and can connect to, disconnect from, or run in parallel with, larger portions of the electrical grid, or can be managed and isolated to withstand larger disturbances and maintain electrical supply to connected critical infrastructure.

In simpler terms, a microgrid is an electricity generating facility (consisting of one or more generators) that has the capability to operate and serve a customer’s electrical needs while isolated from SDG&E’s distribution system. SDG&E must review all microgrid projects to ensure that the isolation device or technology is safe and reliable. Because a microgrid can be designed to serve a customer’s load while connected to the distribution system or to serve a customer’s load only when in island mode, there are currently two processes SDG&E uses to review and approve a microgrid.

Emergency/Standby Generation Only

Emergency/Standby Generator Installation Requests

This section describes the requirements for microgrids designed to operate only in island mode.

SDG&E requires the following information from customers seeking to install an Emergency/Standby Generator:

  • A completed version of the Emergency/Standby Generator Installation Request Form.   
  • Electrical Single-Line Diagram.  This diagram must show the electrical path from the generator and isolation device to the SDG&E meter. The diagram should also include all significant electrical components in the path, such as panel boards, transformers, and switchgear.
  • A Sequence of Operation description for the transfer switch or equipment. This description can be found in the switch manufacturer’s operating manual. For non-standard or custom-built transfer systems or for systems utilizing controls to alter or otherwise influence the normal operation of off-the-shelf load transfer equipment, additional descriptive information specific to those systems must be provided.
  • Authorization to: Receive Customer Information or Act on Customer’s Behalf.  This form must be completed and returned if a third-party (someone other than the SDG&E’s customer of record) will need to receive the customer’s utility account information from SDG&E for use in connection with a request. 
  • Emergency/Standby Generator Natural Gas Service Datasheet. This form is required only if the generator will be fueled with natural gas. This information helps SDG&E determine if the existing gas service is adequate to support the operation of the generator.

Public Agency Critical Facilities: A microgrid owned by a Public Agency or by a third-party that primarily serve facilities owned or operated by, or on behalf of, a Public Agency is permitted under SDG&E’s Electric Rule 19, (Rule 19) Section D, to supply electricity to critical facilities owned or operated by or on behalf of a Public Agency on an adjacent premise only at times when . For these types of projects, the Public Agency located on the adjacent premise is required to submit an Emergency/Standby Generator Installation Request form. As used in Rule 19, a Public Agencies include state, county, local, and tribal agencies. If you are a Public Agency interested in learning more about this process, please contact your SDG&E Account Executive.

Portable generators: Portable generators are designed to provide temporary power for basic needs. It is extremely important to determine what size generator you will need and how to operate it safely before running it for the first time.  Contact your local authority having  jurisdiction for permit requirements.  Find out more about portable generator basics and safety on our Electric Generator Safety  page.  

Microgrids Seeking Authorization to Operate in Parallel with SDG&E’s Electric Distribution System

Customers seeking to install a microgrid that will operate in parallel with the SDG&E’s electric distribution system must submit an Interconnection Request in accordance with the provisions in SDG&E’s Electric Rule 21 (Rule 21).  Local governments, tribes, and assigned accounts are encouraged to contact their SDG&E Account Executive early in the process so that we can provide support and guidance as you plan and develop your microgrid resiliency project.

SDG&E’s Customer Generation webpage provides an overview of generation interconnections and detailed instructions for submitting an interconnection application. 

Here are some common operational modes of microgrids that require a Rule 21 interconnection application:

  • Non-Export: A non-export microgrid has received authorization to operate in parallel with SDG&E’s distribution and does export power to the distribution system.
  • Momentary Parallel Operations:  A microgrid operating under this mode isolates from the distribution system and serves a customer’s load when power from SDG&E is unavailable and is permitted to parallel with the distribution system for up to 60 seconds to sync up with the distribution system upon restoration of service from SDG&E.
  • Net Energy Metering (NEM) Solar Paired with Energy Storage: This type of microgrid  is permitted to export power and normally operates in parallel with SDG&E’s distribution system while serving all or part of the customer’s electricity needs.  With the proper protection devices in place, this microgrid can also isolate from the distribution and serve a customer’s load when service from SDG&E is unavailable.

 

Rule 21 Study Process, Timelines, and Fees

 

Fast Track Process

 Independent Study Process Distribution Group Study Process
Project Size Eligibility Available for projects < 1.5 MW and Non-export of any size Available for projects not eligible for Fast Track Available for projects that pass Screen Q, but fail Screen R
Initial Fee

$800 non-refundable fee

$800 non-refundable fee and

Study deposit of $10,000 (projects <5 MW) or $50,000 + $1,000/MW (projects >5 MW)

$800 non-refundable fee and

Study deposit of $10,000 (projects <5 MW) or $50,000 + $1,000/MW (projects >5 MW)
Process, Timeline and Review Fees
  • Interconnection Request Deemed Complete – 10 BD
  • Initial Review (IR) – 15 BD
  • If IR passed, cost estimate provided within 15 BD
  • GIA provided within 15 BD from customer request
  • Supplemental Review (SR), if required – 20 BD
  • $2,500 non-refundable fee
  • If SR passed, cost estimate provided within 15 BD
  • GIA provided within 15 BD from customer request
  • Interconnection Request Deemed Complete – 10 BD 
  • Electrical Independence Test (EIT) – 10 BD
  • If project passes EIT, applicant is notified and Scoping Meeting is scheduled – within 5 BD
  • Detailed Study Agreement – up to 45 BD after Scoping Meeting
  • System Impact Study (SIS) – 60 BD
  • Interconnection Facilities Study (IFS), if required – 60 BD
  • Draft GIA within 30 CD of the SIS or IFS, as applicable
  • Interconnection Request Deemed Complete – 10 BD
  • Screen Q applied to Distribution Study Group – 30 BD
  • If Group fails Screen Q, all projects are deemed withdrawn
  • If Group passes Screen Q, Applicants notified within 5 BD and Scoping Meeting scheduled 
  • Detailed Study Agreement – up to 45 BD after Scoping Meeting
  • DGS Phase I Interconnection Study – 60 BD
  • If study not waived, Phase II Study Deposit $15,000 
  • DGS Phase II Interconnection Study – 60 BD
  • Draft GIA within 30 CD of the P1 Study or P2 study, as applicable