Colorado interconnection applications

Colorado Public Utilities Commission

4 CCR 723-3, Rules 3850-3859 (Interconnection Procedures and Standards) – Rules Regulating Electric Utilities - Interconnection Procedures and Standards · source

PUC-regulated (investor-owned) utilities - Xcel Energy (PSCo) and Black Hills Colorado Electric - for non-FERC-jurisdictional interconnection of retail renewable DG and other DER incl. storage. Cooperatives must comply with the PUC interconnection standards and insurance requirements per C.R.S. 40-9.5-118(2)(d); municipal utilities adopt functionally similar standards.

Standard interconnection application form prescribed in the rule (Level 1 application/agreement text in Rule 3854); fees set in each utility's interconnection tariff

Receipt notice 3 business days; completeness notice 10 business days (applicant has 10 business days to cure); Level 1 screens 10 business days and approval 10 business days; Level 2 initial review 15 business days; customer signs agreement within 30 business days, utility countersigns within 2; Level 1 witness test/inspection within 10 business days of certificate of completion; operational approval letter 3 business days after successful commissioning; pre-application report 20 business days.

Processing fee/deposit as specified in the request and the utility's Commission-approved interconnection tariff; no other fees unless the procedures specify. Customer pays upgrades, interconnection facilities, interconnection metering and Level 2/3 commissioning witness costs.

Level 1: interconnection customer not required to provide general liability insurance (Rule 3854(c)(VII)).

NEM – C.R.S. 40-2-124(1)(e); 4 CCR 723-3-3664
IOUs: no fixed kW cap; Rule 3664 limits system to 120% of average annual consumption and service entrance capacity (statute as amended allows retail DG up to 200% of expected consumption). Excess kWh carried forward 1:1 monthly; paid at average hourly incremental cost within 60 days of year-end unless customer elects indefinite rollover.

Cooperatives (C.R.S. 40-9.5-118): must offer net metering at least 10 kW residential / 25 kW commercial, 1:1 monthly carryforward, annual excess handled as co-op decides, must comply with PUC interconnection standards and insurance requirements (may reduce/waive insurance). Municipal utilities with >=5,000 customers (C.R.S. 40-2-124(7)): net metering at least 10 kW residential / 25 kW C&I, must adopt and post functionally similar small-generator interconnection standards; written explanation required for denials.