The Community Solar Program has progressed to the interconnection application phase. InClime has recently received an inquiry as to whether a project for which the interconnection study has been completed may proceed ahead of a higher ranked project for which the interconnection study has not been completed. The answer is yes.
Commission Rule 17.9.573.12(I) states that among interconnection applications for community solar projects that have been selected by the administration, the utilities must prioritize consideration of the application in the order of ranking by points awarded to each project in the selection process. In other words, qualifying utilities should begin interconnection studies in accordance with the order of the ranking of the project.
The rule does not require that interconnection studies for selected projects with higher rankings be completed before selected projects with lower rankings can proceed. It is likely that some projects will proceed more slowly than others through the interconnection study process due to issues intrinsic to the projects as well as issues arising from the location on the grid at which interconnection is sought. The rule does not require that all selected projects with lower rankings be placed on hold pending the resolution of issues concerning a selected project with a higher ranking.
Please contact us at [email protected] or via phone at (877) 794-0109 if you have any questions.
