Rhode Island | Interconnection Grade
Recommendations
- Use 100% of minimum load rather than 15% of peak load in the penetration screen under Initial Review
- Establish a defined Supplemental Review process with specified screens
- Adopt IEEE Standard 1547™-2018 and identify or reference technical requirements, including performance categories and default settings
- Require utilities to publish a queue that is updated monthly and allows for tracking of process timelines
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.