Applying for Distributed Generation Interconnection

Gather these forms and documents before submitting your application:

• DG Documentation Checklist (PDF)
• Customer Authorization Letter (PDF)
• Standard Contract – Appendix A, p.38 (PDF)
• Inverter-Based Systems – Appendix B, p.62 (PDF)
• Non-Inverter Systems – Appendix C, p.66 (PDF)
• System Diagram Checklist & Equipment Specs (PDF)
• Verification Test Certification (<50 kW) (PDF)
• Solar Testing & Inspection Checklist (>50 kW) (PDF)
• 25% Construction Payment Task List – Appendix B

Federal Agencies - Interconnection Agreement – Appendix A-1 (PDF) 

State Agencies (non-NYC) - Interconnection Agreement – Appendix A-2 (PDF)

Cost Sharing 2.0 

Per the NYSIR Order (April 14, 2022), certain lines may be “encumbered” by previous DG projects. If your project qualifies as a Sharing Project, cost-sharing rules may apply.

• DG Encumbered Lines List
• Cost Sharing 2.0 FAQs 

Additional Regulatory Resources

• CESIR Pass/Fail Report Archive
• Order Modifying Separate Site Requirements
• Case 15-E-0751 – Tariff Reconsideration Order
• One-Time Community Adder Eligible Projects List (Temp) – Note: this is time-sensitive and may be removed in the future. 

• 2022 Distributed Generation Developer’s Workshop (PDF)
• Developer Interconnection Workshops

The NYSIR, or New York State Standardized Interconnection Requirements, are a set of rules and procedures developed by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to standardize the process for connecting distributed generation (DG) systems, like solar panels, to the electrical grid. They provide a framework for interconnecting new distributed generation (DG) and energy storage systems (ESS) with a capacity of 5 MW or less to the utility distribution system.  

The streamlined interconnection process involves three key steps:

• Application Submission: Initiate your interconnection request by submitting a comprehensive application via our dedicated online portal, Power Clerk.
• Utility Review: Following submission, the utility will conduct a thorough review of your application, typically completed within ten (10) business days.
• Final Acceptance: Upon successful review and approval, the utility will issue its final acceptance, signifying the completion of the interconnection process.

Required documents include a completed application form, a detailed site plan illustrating the proposed installation, a clear single-line diagram outlining the electrical connections, and precise equipment specifications for all components involved in the project. 

The comprehensive interconnection follows these sequential steps:

• Application Submission: Begin by submitting your formal interconnection application through our dedicated online portal, PowerClerk.
• Utility Application Review: The utility will conduct an initial review of your submitted application for completeness and accuracy.
• Preliminary/Supplemental Screening Analysis: A preliminary or supplemental screening analysis will be performed to assess the potential impact of your facility on the grid.
• Coordinated Electric System Interconnection Review CESIR (If required): If the screening indicates potential impacts, a detailed Coordinated Electric System Interconnection Review (CESIR) will be initiated to thoroughly evaluate the interconnection requirements.
• Completion of CESIR: The CESIR process concludes with a comprehensive report outlining any necessary system upgrades or modifications.
• Commitment to Utility Construction: Following CESIR completion, a formal commitment is made for any required utility-side construction or upgrades.
• Project Construction: Both the applicant's facility and any necessary utility infrastructure are constructed.
• Facility Testing: The interconnected facility undergoes rigorous testing to ensure operational safety and compliance with all technical standards.
• Interconnection: Upon successful testing, the facility is formally interconnected to the utility grid.
• Final Acceptance and Cost Reconciliation: The process culminates with final acceptance of the interconnected facility and a reconciliation of all associated costs.

Required documents include a completed application form, a site plan, a three-line diagram, equipment specifications, and proof of site control

For small projects (50kW or less), there is no application fee. For large projects (Above 50 kW up to 5 MW), there is an application fee of $750.00, and additional costs may be incurred for the Coordinated Electric System Interconnection Review (CESIR) and utility construction.

For projects with estimated costs over $10,000, an initial payment of 25% of the estimated cost is required, followed by the remaining 75% within 120 business days.

The CESIR is a detailed study performed by the utility to assess the impact of the proposed interconnection on the utility system and to determine any necessary system upgrades.  

Help guides to assist you in submitting an interconnection application can be found on our website under Guides and Specifications for Distributed Generation.