Seven states in the United States have embraced the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1547-2018 Standard for distributed energy resource (DER) interconnection, according to recent data compiled by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).

The Adoption Tracker, presented in a map format by IREC, sheds light on the states, utilities, and Independent System Operators/Regional Transmission Organizations (ISO/RTOs) that have incorporated IEEE 1547-2018 into their frameworks. This technical standard outlines the guidelines for DERs, such as solar and energy storage, to connect to the grid. Notably, it establishes interconnection requirements for smart inverters, which boast "grid support" functionalities aimed at accommodating higher levels of renewable energy.

Among the states that have adopted the standard are Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New Mexico, California, and Oregon. Furthermore, six states—New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, and Colorado—are currently in the process of adopting IEEE 1547-2018.

IREC's tracker also highlights states and regions where the adoption process is either incomplete, unclear, or utility-specific. Incomplete states have initiated alignment efforts with the standard but have yet to set an adoption date. Unclear states have either not commenced the adoption process or lack sufficient data for IREC to determine their status. In "utility-specific" states, regulatory commissions have not initiated a statewide adoption process, although some utilities have opted to conform to the standard independently.

Moreover, the tracker provides insights into the adoption status of ISO/RTOs. PJM Interconnection and Alberta System Operator (AESO) are the only entities to have completed the adoption process, while others such as Independent Electric System Operator (IESO) and Hydro-Québec are currently undergoing adoption. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has an incomplete adoption process, while Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has a utility-specific adoption approach. New York Independent Service Operator (NYISO), Southwest Power Pool (SPP), and California Independent Service Operator (CAISO) fall under the unclear category.

The adoption of IEEE 1547-2018 marks a significant step towards modernizing interconnection practices and facilitating the integration of renewable energy resources into the grid. As the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape continues, the standardization of DER interconnection processes plays a crucial role in ensuring grid reliability and efficiency.

Source: Renewable Energy World