Promoting Economic Efficiency in Interconnection–Part 2: Cost Allocation
Several U.S. jurisdictions are exploring alternative cost allocation methods for eligible grid upgrades that support the interconnection of distributed energy resources (DERs), moving beyond the ‘cost-causer pays’ model. Distribution system upgrade costs can be distributed among beneficiaries in a variety of ways to improve economic efficiency of utility investments and foster timely and fair DER interconnection for utility customers.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will host a public webinar on October 22, 12–2 p.m. Eastern, to discuss these new approaches. The webinar will explore solutions such as group study processes, pro rata cost sharing, grid export tariffs, and proactively upgrading distribution circuits through grid modernization processes.
Register here: https://lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F2GKaDWNSYq_SpJDuQjz8A
Panelists include Brian Ritzinger, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities; Kate Tohme, New Leaf Energy; Arthur O'Donnell, New Mexico Public Regulation Commission; Ron Nelson, Current Energy; and Grace Relf, Berkeley Lab. Kathryn Chelminski and Lisa Schwartz will moderate a robust discussion with the panelists and webinar audience, including utilities, regulators and other state agencies, project developers, and regional grid operators.
This is the fourth in a series of webinars that provide a deep dive into the solutions advanced through the DER Interconnection Roadmap by the U.S. Department of Energy's Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) to enable simpler, faster, and fairer interconnection. Another webinar in the i2X DER interconnection series will cover maintaining reliable, resilient, and secure grids. Information on i2X DER Interconnection webinars and other resources is available here.
The roadmap identifies a wide range of solutions to address challenges for interconnecting energy resources to distribution and sub-transmission grids. The i2X program fosters open dialogue among stakeholders across the U.S. electricity ecosystem to address interconnection challenges, bridge knowledge gaps, and develop practical solutions.
The U.S. Department of Energy's i2X, sponsored by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, supports this work.