Customer-Owned Distributed Energy Resources
Customer-Owned Distributed Energy Resources (DER)
Division of Power (DOP) has determined it will permit its electric customers (including residential, commercial, and industrial) to utilize DER subject to the owner and operator meeting all technical, safety, construction, interconnection requirements. Proposed customer-owned DER projects will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.
What is DER?
DOP defines DER as devices that produce electricity connected to the electrical system behind the retail meter at the customer’s premise. Examples include, but are not limited to, rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaics, combined heat and power projects, and small wind turbines. View the DOP Policy(PDF, 583KB).
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To connect to DOP’s grid, you must be a DOP customer in good standing.
To be eligible to interact with the electric distribution system, a customer-owned, power generation facility must meet all DOP requirements located in the Interconnection Guidelines(PDF, 628KB).
PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
Before investing in a renewable energy system, there are many factors to consider such as zoning, size, capacity, cost, and finding a contractor. View a Consumer's Guide(PDF, 108KB) (by AMP) and learn more...
HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERCONNECTION SERVICE
Learn how to apply and ultimately connect to the power grid before you install DER (solar panels, wind turbines, etc.).
- Review and submit an Interconnection Service Application(PDF, 628KB) (PDF includes Interconnection Guidelines, the application, and certification forms) before you install your DER (solar panels, wind turbines, etc.).
- DOP will evaluate your proposed equipment to determine if it meets our eligibility, technical and safety requirements.
- Once approved by DOP, you will be able to install the system.
- Following a successful post-field verification of your equipment, DOP will install an AMI meter and you'll be notified to submit a signed agreement with us.
For technical questions, contact: Tom Wills: TWWills@columbus.gov.