Regional Interconnection Manager | Solar/BESS Development | 8+ Years Engineering Results for a More Resilient & Stable Power Grid | Yale FDCE '24
Really enjoyed the conversation we had at GridTECH Connect Forum about DER interconnection, challenges/successes, and how all stakeholders can collaborate moving forward to accelerate DER’s in the Southeast. Here are some takeaways from our panel discussion: 1) When developers receive their feasibility study/initial results from the utility, they have a good idea of the economic viability of project based on the projected upgrades and initial IC upgrade costs. 2) Administrative burdens are lengthening study timelines, whereas the studies aren’t taking the most time in the “interconnection process.” Developers have a duty to understand the interconnecting utility’s interconnection application requirements and submit completed packages. Utilities should also invest in innovating their application process, creating online portals for IC requests and payments to be sent. The more we can cut down on the back and forth between parties, the quicker projects can come online. 3) If utilities can publish their queued projects on the distribution system, this would greatly help developers in submitting “keeper projects” (credit to Gerald Warchol [PE] for that term) or projects that have minimal upgrades/costs. From a developer perspective, the more information we can get before submitting projects, the better projects we'll submit! Big thanks to John Engel, Paul Gerke, Katie Kuzma and the entire Clarion Events team for putting this event together. Events like this that contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding interconnection and how we solve this bottleneck are needed! Looking forward to the next one.
Excited to highlight a panel moderated by Al Tenhundfeld on “Interconnection Fundamentals: What a Study Is and Isn’t.” A vital discussion for anyone involved with distributed energy resources in the Southeast. We learned about the nuances of interconnection studies from various angles, uncovering challenges and opportunities in renewable energy integration. Thanks to Gerald Warchol [PE], JJ Petti, PE, Brandon Teal, MBA, Brian Lydic for a captivating session! #GridtechConnect #distributech2024 #generationinterconnection
John Engel
8mo
Thanks for all of your support for GridTECH Connect Forum, Brandon Teal, MBA!
Puerto Rico Grid Restoration and Modernization
8moThanks for the excellent recap, Brandon! I agree that GridTHECH was a great exchange of information and it was awesome to meet to many interesting people working in this space, like yourself, Brandon!