Iowa | Interconnection Grade

Recommendations

  • Incorporate the definition of “export capacity” in the rules and identify acceptable export control methods, including certified Power Control Systems

  • Increase the system size limit for the Level 1 review process and base eligibility for Levels 1-2 on export capacity

  • Use 100% of minimum load rather than 15% of the maximum normal load in the penetration screen

  • Adopt more efficient timelines to complete expedited review under Levels 1-2

Note: Freeing the Grid interconnection grades are based solely on the provisions included or referenced within statewide interconnection procedures and do not take into account utility practices or requirements adopted outside of state procedures.

Interconnection policies specify the processes, timelines, and costs associated with connecting distributed energy resources—like solar and energy storage systems—safely and reliably to the grid.

This state’s interconnection grade is based on the following criteria:

Rule Applicability

Facility types and system sizes eligible to interconnect

Updated Standards & Export Provisions

Incorporation of IEEE 1547-2018 and export provisions

Streamlined Review

Use of simplified and expedited screening processes

Initial Review Screens

Technical screens used as part of expedited review

Modifications

Facility and distribution system modifications

Supplemental Review Screens

Technical screens used in supplemental review

Timelines & Efficiency

Timelines specified for review and other processes

Data Sharing & Reporting

Provision of queue, timeline, cost, and site-specific data

Interconnection Costs & Requirements

Fees and other requirements for interconnection

Dispute Resolution

Interconnection-specific processes for resolving disputes

Noteworthy Best Practices

This section recognizes noteworthy interconnection practices, from among the evaluation criteria. Badges are awarded to the states that meet these noteworthy criteria.

ENERGY STORAGE

Awarded to states that have included energy storage as an eligible technology in their interconnection rules, incorporated the concept of export capacity, and identified acceptable export control methods.

TRANSPARENCY

Awarded to states that require pre-application reports, detailed screening and study results, itemized upgrade cost estimates, and at least monthly public queue reporting that allows for the tracking of the interconnection process steps.

IEEE 1547-2018

Awarded to states that have incorporated the IEEE 1547-2018 Standard and identified or referenced performance categories as well as voltage and frequency settings.

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