Nebraska Public Power District launches new process for approval of distributed generation projects

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) said Monday that it is launching a new approval process for customers looking to connect renewable distributed generation projects to the grid to ensure grid reliability and public safety.

Electric consumers, developers, and contractors investing in a DG project are required to use the new process, NPPD said.

The process begins with a form called the “Interconnection Application for NPPD Approval to Connect Distributed or Local Generation,” which serves as a formal notification to NPPD of the proposed project. Under the process, NPPD said, it maintains the right to approve or deny any DG project that impacts the electric system, including projects developed prior to the new process.

“NPPD looks forward to actively partnering with all interested in undertaking a renewable DG project in a way that greatly minimizes impacts to our grid and community members,” NPPD Senior Project Coordinator Tom Pillen said. “NPPD also wants end-use customers to make an educated choice about their solar project.”

NPPD recommended that customers interested in installing a DG project contact their local public power utility to determine if the project is viable and evaluate projected savings before beginning the process. NPPD also recommended using its customer-owned solar calculator to estimate potential savings and compare options.

NPPD also noted that it has implemented several community solar projects throughout Nebraska and continues to explore options for more projects.