763.323.2650 Start / Stop Service Careers Quick Pay Account Login ACCOUNT SERVICES OUTAGE CENTER SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY SAFETY ABOUT US SEARCH INTERCONNECTION PROCESS HomeAccount ServicesRates & Service TerritoryInterconnection Process Interconnecting your DER with Connexus Energy’s distribution system State of Minnesota Interconnection Process Connexus Energy has adopted rules developed by the State of Minnesota pertaining to the interconnection of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) to the electrical distribution system. It is required that the process be followed for any interconnection of a DER to the electrical distribution system. A DER is any device or system that either generates or stores electrical energy that is interconnected to the utility electrical distribution system. DER technologies can include photovoltaic solar systems, wind turbines, energy storage batteries, or diesel generators, and are not limited to renewable technologies. The process and associated documents are established based on the size (rating) of the DER system and type of interconnection. The Overview Process document provides a comprehensive explanation of the interconnection process and requirements across all sizes of interconnections, up to 10 MW in size. Interconnection process and associated documents are set up into process tracks based on DER size, as listed below in Table 1. An explanation of interconnection process specific to each track is listed along with the track. Click on the link to access the process document. Table 1: Table of Interconnection Tracks Based on DER Size: Process Track DER Capacity Size Process Overview Document Simplified Up to 20 kW Simplified Process Fast Track Over 20 kW up to 4 MW (4,000 kW) Fast Track Process Study Up to 10 MW Study Process Given the very wide range of DER size covered by the Fast Track process, the process to follow and documents to use for net metering applications of systems less than 40kW is referenced below in Table 2 – Net Metering Interconnections. Net metering is interconnection of DER where the utility will compensate the interconnected customer for any excess generation produced above what is used by the customer. The utility will purchase the excess energy at rates in accordance with current tariffs. More information about net metering can be found MN PUC website. Table 2 - Net Metering Interconnections Under 40 kW Simplified Up to 20 kW Fast Track Under 40 kW Simplified Process Fast Track Process Cooperative Minnesota Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements Cooperative Minnesota Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements Connexus Technical Specification Manual Connexus Technical Specification Manual Simplified Interconnection Application Pre-Application Report Request (if needed) Certification of Completion Pre-Application Report (if needed) Uniform Contract Standard Interconnection Application Distribution System Impact Study Agreement (if needed) Uniform Contract, or Interconnection Agreement (if requested) Table 3 - Interconnections 40 kW and Larger Fast Track 40 kW - 4,000 kW Study Process 4,000 kW - 10 MW Fast Track Process Study Process Cooperative Minnesota Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements Cooperative Minnesota Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements Connexus Technical Specification Manual Connexus Technical Specification Manual Standard Interconnection Application Standard Interconnection Application Pre-Application Report Request (if needed) Pre-Application Report Request Pre-Application Report Pre-Application Report (prepared by EPS) Distribution System Impact Study Agreement (if needed) Distribution System Impact Study Agreement Facility Study Agreement (if needed) Facility Study Agreement Interconnection Agreement Interconnection Agreement Energy Storage Interconnection The Energy Storage Application must be completed and submitted for all energy storage DER interconnections in addition to the Simplified or Standard Interconnection Applications, whichever is applicable to the DER size. Interconnection Technical Requirements The Cooperative Minnesota Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements (TIIR) specifies technical requirements applicable to the full range of sizes and types of DER facilities to be interconnected. The Connexus Technical Specification Manual (TSM) is to be used in conjunction with the TIIR and identifies technical requirements and guidelines specific to Connexus Energy.. Rate Schedules Rates applicable to all DER interconnections and programs may be found here. The following are rates applicable to net metering applications with DER less than 40 kW capacity: Net Energy Billing Service Simultaneous Purchase and Sale Please contact Connexus Energy DER Interconnection Coordinator for rate schedules applicable to DER sizes of 40 kW and larger. Submitting an Interconnection Application Interconnection applications including all attachments and supporting documentation may be submitted via hard copy or email. If by email, send to DER.InterconnectionCoordinator@connexusenergy.com If by hard copy, send to Connexus Energy, C/O DER Interconnection Coordinator, 14601 Ramsey Blvd NW, Ramsey, MN 55303 All interconnection application fees are to be paid by check and sent via US mail to the above address. Connexus Energy does not currently have an on-line system for preparing and submitting interconnection applications, however we anticipate having an on-line system in place in the near future. Contact Information Submit all interconnection applications and any subsequent documentation via email to: DER.InterconnectionCoordinator@connexusenergy.com If you have any specific questions you need assistance with, please contact by email, call, or text: DER.InterconnectionCoordinator@connexusenergy.com 763.691.8981 If the existing meter seal must be cut for access service wiring or removal of the meter as part of the installation, the electrician or project manager must call 763.323.2650 for notification prior to cutting the seal. If you need to have power disconnected to accommodate installation, please call our scheduling department at 763.323.4215 in advance to schedule a crew for the disconnect. Frequently Asked Questions How is the system size determined? Can I construct it on the ground or only roof top? Does Connexus install solar? Do panels work with snow on them? How much does solar cost? How long do panels last? Will you buy back my excess electricity? Can we pay the application fee with a credit card? Do I need to have it inspected? Am I limited in system size by how much electricity I use? What is net metering? What are the federal tax credits? Will I still have an electrical bill? Can I install it myself? Do you rebate/incentivize solar? Why is there a grid access fee? How do you read what excess electricity my system produces? Do I need a production meter? Can my contractor or electrician cut the meter seal and remove the Connexus Energy meter if needed to complete wiring and installation of my solar or storage system? I am installing a generator at my home to serve as an emergency power source. Do I need to go through the interconnection process? Do you have information/websites to learn about solar? Do you have contractors you recommend? 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