1. California Public Utilities Commission allows renewable energy systems to interconnect to the grid using Limited Generation Profiles (LGP) based on grid conditions.
2. Decision is a major milestone in enabling distributed energy resources (DERs) to operate flexibly and align with grid conditions, shaped by recommendations from IREC.
3. Commission resolves key issues including power control systems, format of LGPs, and instances of curtailment, aiming to minimize grid upgrades and financial risks for project developers.
The California Public Utilities Commission made a significant decision allowing renewable energy systems to interconnect to the electric grid using an energy export schedule called a Limited Generation Profile (LGP). This approach, based on California’s public grid data, can reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades and support higher levels of renewables on the grid. This decision, influenced by recommendations from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), is a landmark in enabling distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar PV to operate flexibly on the grid.
The hosting capacity of the electric grid determines the amount of power export that can be accepted without needing upgrades, varying based on grid conditions. Developers can use the Integration Capacity Analysis to design an LGP to stay within hosting capacity limits. The Commission also addressed control systems, LGP formats, and circumstances allowing utilities to curtail a system’s output. The decision was generally praised by IREC for advancing flexibility and grid support from DERs.
The decision limits permanent curtailments by utilities to situations with sustained load reduction, protecting developers from financial risks. Utilities are responsible for upgrades to prevent these situations, with exceptions granted only in rare cases. IREC and the Commission consider this a satisfactory resolution, with data collection planned to track curtailments and upgrades for LGP facilities. California’s adoption of LGPs paves the way for more innovative interconnection approaches for DERs.