Member-Owned Alternative Energy Systems
Member-consumers who are looking to own, or already own, qualifying energy facilities may be connected to ECI REC's power grid and/or maintain interconnected power with the Cooperative if terms of ECI REC's Interconnection Agreement are met.
How It Works
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The member-consumer's facility is evaluated for compliance with all of the requirements of Articles 4 and 17.3 in ECI REC's electric tariff and general regulations for such alternative energy producers.
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A meter that measures both kWhs generated and kWhs used is installed.
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The interconnection allows member-consumers to purchase power from ECI REC if their electricity needs exceed their facility's generating capacity.
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If the facility produces more energy than needed by the member-consumer, ECI REC will credit the member the current avoided cost rate, which is set by the Cooperative's power provider.
On-Site Generation Facilities and Interconnection Agreements and Contracts
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Interconnection Level 1 Request Application and Agreement (OE-0023d 7-26-22)
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Inverter-Based D.G. Facilities 100 kVA or less
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Interconnection Levels 2 to 4 Request Application (OE-0023b 1-8-24)
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D.G. Facilities 10 MVA or less
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Interconnection Levels 2 to 4 Agreement (OE-0023a 10-27-17)
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D.G. Facilities 10 MVA or less
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Interconnection Certificate of Completion of On-Site Generation Facilities (OE-0023c 10-27-17)
Legal Requirements and Responsibilities Before Installing On-Site Generation
As of January 1, 2013, notification requirements were put into effect that apply to owners of alternate energy production facilities that will be attached to an electric transmission or distribution line. Alternate energy production facilities are defined as solar, wind turbine, waste management, resource recovery, refuse-derived fuel, agricultural crops or residues, or wood-burning facilities used to generate electricity.
Under this requirement, the owner of the facility, no matter how small (solar-powered heat pumps, for example), is required to provide written notification to his or her utility of the intent to construct or install the facility at least 30 days prior to construction. In the written notice, the owner must provide information on the type of facility and the anticipated completion date of the construction.
ECI REC has put together the above Standard Application and Interconnection Agreement form to help walk member-owners through these requirements. You can download or print the above form(s) as needed.
On-Site Generation Resources
Member-consumers who have an interest in investing in solar energy for their home or small business have a new resource to aid in making an informed decision. The Iowa Energy Center has published the Home Series: Solar PV Energy Guide in collaboration with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, Alliant Energy, the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, and MidAmerican Energy, with information from the Office of Consumer Advocate and the Iowa Utilities Commission.
For more information on member-owned alternative energy production, call us toll-free at 877-850-4343 or email Member Service Manager Adam Albertsen at memberservices@ecirec.coop.
