The expected start date for the Notification-Only Process Pilot Program for Certain Small Non-Export Rule 21 Projects is July 19, 2021. This site will be updated periodically with additional information.
On June 3, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission issued Decision D.21-06-002, which, among other things, adopted a two-year pilot program that permits certain small non-export Generating Facilities to interconnect and operate in parallel with SCE’s Distribution System under a Notification-Only Process in lieu of the standard interconnection application process.
Under the Notification-Only Process, pre-approved developers are permitted to submit a Notification-Only Package using SCE’s online portal, GIPT, no later than 15 days after obtaining electrical release from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction(AHJ) to SCE and receive permission to operate (PTO) upon submission of the Notification-Only Package.
Section 1: How to Apply for Pre-Approved Developer Status
To become a pre-approved Developer eligible for participation in the Notification-Only Process, interested developers are required to submit an eligibility request to SCE that includes:
1. The Developer’s name and contact information
2. A list of no less than 20 non-export projects in SCE’s service territory for which Permission to Operate (PTO) was issued by SCE. Each of the submitted projects must show how each project meets each of eligibility criteria for the Notification-Only Process set forth below. Please be sure to address all of the eligibility criteria defined in Decision D21-06-002 Ordering Paragraph 1 for each project. For each project, please list the following in a table format, preferably in Microsoft Excel:
a Unique project identifier (GIFD #)
b Date PTO was received
c Aggregate Nameplate project size
d Project location address
e Project SCE Meter #
f Non-export method used (Relay, UL Certified PCS, other)
3. An attestation indicating that the Developer applying for Pre-Approved status understands where the networked secondary portions of the SCE’s grid are located. A map indicating the boundary of the SCE’s Secondary Network is located at the following link: Secondary Network Boundary Map
4. An attestation indicating that the developer will not use the notification-only process to deploy projects within ¼ mile from the boundary of the Secondary Network. The attestation can be found at the following LINK.
Interested Developers may begin submitting eligibility requests on July 19, 2021. Once SCE notifies the Developer that it has achieved Pre-approved status, the Developer may begin submitting Notification-Only Packages immediately, but no earlier than July 19, 2021, and no later than July 19, 2023, which is the end of the 2-year pilot time frame.
Please submit completed eligibility requests to Rule21@sce.com SCE will provide a response within 10 business days after receiving a complete eligibility request.
Section 2: How to Apply with a Notification-Only Package:
A Notification-Only application package must be submitted using SCE’s online non-export Rule 21 portal, GIPT, no later than 15 business days after obtaining electrical release from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). ; Notification-only applications that are submitted any time after 15 business days from AHJ release, will be rejected by SCE, and any Permission to Operate (PTO) will be revoked. The Developer can still submit such applications (greater than 15 business days following AHJ release) under the normal non-export Rule 21 interconnection process via GIPT.
A Notification-Only application package must include all of the following:
- A completed Interconnection Application shall be submitted via SCE’s GIPT interconnection Tool. Link to GIPT can be accessed at SCE’s Rule 21 website:https://www.sce.com/residential/generating-your-own-power/Grid-Interconnections The applicant (customer/pre-approved developer) must indicate that the project is a “notification-only project” and select “N/A Notification-only” for non-exporting options.
- A certificate of insurance from the customer - provided as an attachment in GIPT
- Electrical Release from the Authority Having Jurisdiction – Provided as an attachment in GIPT
- Submitted $800 Interconnection Request Fee
- Pre-Approved Developer Attestation to the items listed below. A template of the attestation form is available here: Developer Notification-Only Attestation Template
Download the attestation form template and submit the completed attestation as an attachment in GIPT. The Developer attests:- That if the project is deployed on a 120/240-volt service it is deployed across the entire 240-volt service.
- That if the project is found to be non-compliant or otherwise ineligible to continue in the Notification-Only process, the will developer work with the utility and end-customer to bring the project into compliance and will pursue reinstatement of PTO through the standard interconnection application process.
- That the project meets each of the project eligibility criteria:
- Project size gross nameplate capacity is equal to or less than 30 kVA.
- This can be one single non-export storage project with a capacity equal to or less than 30 kVA, or
- A new non-export generating facility consisting of solar and storage where the aggregate generating nameplate facility is less than or equal to 30 kVA, or
- An addition to an existing non-export project where the aggregate of new plus existing non-export is capacity is equal to or less than 30 kVA.
- Project uses a UL Certified Power Control System which has been pre-approved by SCE for use in this pilot. A list of approved UL Certified Power Control Systems can be found at: linked here.
- Project uses an inverter that has been pre-approved by SCE. A list of approved inverters can be found: linked here.
- Project is installed at a location with an SCE service voltage of 120V or 240V that uses an SCE self-contained meter2.
- Project is located at a minimum of ¼ mile away from SCE’s Secondary Network. A map of SCE’s Secondary Network boundaries can be found here: Secondary Network Boundary Map.
- The charging of the storage will be such that it will not increase the host customer’s peak monthly peak demand.
- The developer has balanced, as practicable, the generation across the 120/240V secondary service.
- Generating Facility must comply with SCE’s Rule 21 equipment requirements including Rule 21 Section Hh.1.c (Suitable equipment) which among other requirements, it specifies that paralleling devices shall be capable of withstanding 220% of Interconnecting Facility rated voltage.
- For Generating Facilities intending to operate in island mode, equipment used to disconnect from parallel mode to island mode, reconnect from island mode to parallel mode and re-synchronization with SCE’s grid shall be designed, installed, operated, and maintained for these purposes.
- The developer submitting the notification-only package is a Pre-Approved Developer.
- Developer attestation that it recognizes and understands the auditing element of the Notification-Only Process: Developer Notification-Only Attestation Template.
- Customer attestation that it recognizes and understands the auditing element of the Notification-Only Process: Customer Notification-Only Attestation Template.
- Must submit the interconnection request fee of $800 as required by Rule 21.
Upon receipt of the Notification-Only Package, SCE will issue Permission to Operate (PTO) for the project. Within 15 days from receipt of Notification-Only Package, SCE will review the Notification-Only Package for completeness and accuracy and will notify the Developer of any missing requirements.
Developer must provide missing information to SCE within 5 business days from SCE requesting the information. The PTO will be revoked if the identified deficiencies are not resolved within the 5 business days or if SCE determines that the Notification-Only project(s) creates safety and/or reliability concerns.
SCE notes that connection to the line side of the customer main meter (Line-side tap) must be pre-approved by SCE as part of its normal study process and therefore, projects that use line-side taps will not be permitted as part of the Notification-Only Process. SCE will revoke PTO for any projects which are submitted using line-side taps and such projects must be submitted via a normal interconnection process, which would include the review and approval of the line-side tap.