Interconnection

Types of Interconnection Requests

BPA separates Interconnection Requests into three categories. In this application, BPA considers energy storage devices such as batteries to be generators.

• Generator Interconnections that are > 20MW follow the Large Generator Interconnection Procedures (LGIP)
• Generator Interconnections that are ≤ 20MW follow the Small Generator Interconnection Procedures (SGIP)
• Requests to interconnect facilities other than generators will follow the Line and Load Interconnection Procedures (LLIP).
• Requests to interconnect facilities with Transmission Providers adjacent to BPA could require a study to determine if upgrades are required in BPA’s system to prevent reliability issues. Interconnection Requests should be submitted to the host Transmission Provider. The host Transmission Provider is required to inform BPA if there is a possibility of impact to BPA’s system after their study is complete. BPA will, at customer's expense, perform an Affected Utility System study (AUSS) if necessary, after receiving the notification from the host Balancing Authority.

Energy Resource Interconnection Service (ERIS)/ Network Resource Interconnection Service (NRIS)

Interconnection Customers that have partnered with one of BPA’s Network Integration Transmission Service Customers may be eligible to be studied for Network Resource Interconnection Service. If so, the NITS Customer partner’s name must be included in the Interconnection Request form. Any Interconnection Request that is not being studied for Network Resource Interconnection Service will be studied for Energy Resource Interconnection Service.

Interconnection vs Integration

BPA is not the only Transmission Owner in its Balancing Authority Area. Requests attempting to connect to facilities that BPA owns are Interconnection Requests. Requests attempting to connect to facilities that BPA does not own are Integration Requests. Integration Requests follow the same submittal processes as Interconnection Requests but may have additional requirements to coordinate with the host Transmission Owner. More information about Integration requests can be found in the Generation Integration Services Business Practice.

Becoming a BPA Interconnection Customer

The Interconnection Request should be submitted in the name of the entity that will become BPA's contractual counterparty ("Interconnection Customer" as defined in the LGIP and SGIP) during the study process.

If that entity has not previously done business with BPA in its own name, please see Establishing a new Interconnection Customer. This information applies equally to an existing BPA customer that submits an Interconnection Request in the name of a new subsidiary or affiliate.

A Transmission Services Account Executive in partnership with Customer Service Engineering, will guide you through the Interconnection process. To request that an Account Executive be assigned to you, please call 360-619-6016. A Customer Service Engineer will be assigned to your request after it is received.