The Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) designed a series of virtual meetings in five topical "Solution e-Xchanges" to facilitate open dialogue among diverse stakeholders across the U.S. electricity ecosystem on important interconnection issues in distribution and transmission grid networks and their interaction. During Solution e-Xchange meetings, the i2X team will facilitate discussions on interconnection challenges, knowledge gaps, and practical short-term solutions to formulate a 5-year strategic roadmap toward simpler, faster, and fairer interconnection. With your input, ideas, and practical solutions, we can work together to solve grid interconnection challenges in our distribution and transmission power networks.
The meetings of each Solution e-Xchange topical area aim to:
- Identify current challenges and improvements in the topical subject matter.
- Discuss practical solutions, emerging solutions, promising ideas, and gaps in knowledge or experience to explore the topical subject-matter further.
- Formulate future key outcomes within the next five years based on decisions and actions by all stakeholders as they implement discussed solutions and improvements.
- Review and Refine pathways towards these formulated success outcomes as well as important gaps in knowledge or experience to address in the future, all of which will be incorporated into the i2X Strategic Roadmap.
Solution e-Xchange Topics and Meetings
Within each topic, there will be several meetings that discuss relevant subtopics. Click on each topic below to expand and see a list of meetings.
Queue Management & Cost Allocation
Past Meetings
April 5, 2023: Solution e-Xchange Kick-Off
Clean energy generators face an increasing number of bottlenecks and rising costs when connecting their projects to the electrical grid. Across the country, more than one terawatt of generation—mostly renewable generation and energy storage—is waiting in line to be connected to the grid. The Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) Queue Management and Cost Allocation (QM/CA) Solutions e-Xchange aims to support simpler, faster, and fairer interconnection through discourse. This kick-off event provided an overview of the i2X mission and identified key questions around QM/CA, covering both transmission and distribution systems. Download the presentation slides (PDF).
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April 13, 2023: Interconnection Pre-Request Information for Bulk Power Systems
This meeting covered different options for interconnection customers to receive information prior to an interconnection service request (i.e., pre-request info) from transmission service providers including those proposed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other stakeholders. This meeting focused on requirements for information that is helpful and can practically be made available. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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April 27, 2023: Distributed Energy Resources Grid Readiness and Network Upgrades
Aging infrastructure slows the interconnection of new energy resources (e.g., solar, wind, and storage) to distribution grid networks. This meeting discussed what prepares the grid for future deployments of distributed energy resources. Considerations include investments in physical infrastructure and equipment upgrades as well as distribution management system software and IT infrastructure. The meeting also discussed what happens when upgrades are needed and how they could be paid for. Solutions focused on drivers of high costs and potential for cost sharing were explored. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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May 11, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Managing the Bulk Power System Interconnection Study Process
Managing the enormous increase of active interconnection queue projects is a key challenge for transmission providers. The FERC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) proposes that transmission providers use a first-ready, first-served cluster study process coupled with increased financial commitments and readiness requirements to mitigate queue process issues. This webinar discussed additional opportunities to improve queue management, potentially via further integration of interconnection process and transmission planning processes. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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May 24, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: DER Interconnection Process Approaches & Flexible Interconnection
When it comes to interconnection processing, DERs can become a victim of their own success when the sheer number of proposed projects overwhelms a utility’s queue. Widespread adoption of online processing has dramatically improved DER interconnection timelines, but uncertainties and hurdles remain. This meeting discussed ways to enhance conventional interconnection approaches and explore the promise of emerging flexible interconnection approaches. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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June 7, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: BPS Interconnection Cost Allocation: Perspectives and Options for Reform
Rising interconnection costs are raising questions about the efficiency and fairness of current approaches to interconnection cost allocation on the transmission system. This meeting explored different perspectives on cost allocation methods and will discuss potential changes to cost allocation methods going forward. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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June 21, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Emerging Cost Allocation Options and Perspectives
Some grid upgrades triggered during the interconnection process are inevitable, but they rarely benefit a single system user. This meeting provided an overview of current cost allocation methods, explored different perspectives on these methods, and examined options for addressing stakeholder concerns around the outcomes of current cost allocation methods. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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July 12, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Improving Interconnection Study Methodologies in the Bulk Power System
Interconnection study case selection, dispatch assumptions, criteria and modeling processes differ by transmission areas. Additionally, transmission upgrade options being evaluated may not be comprehensive or up to date with current technologies. This meeting discussed overall study process, study case selection, assumptions, and criteria to determine upgrade needs, re-study triggers, as well as consideration of various upgrade options. Topics such as generation dispatch assumptions and interactions in capacity accreditation and ERIS/NRIS assumptions, transmission upgrades being evaluated, and affected system study assumptions and criteria were also discussed. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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July 26, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Implementation Planning and Agreements
After spending several e-Xchanges discussing the feasibility of various DER Queue Management and Cost Allocation (QM/CA) methods, this meeting focused on implementation, duscussing lessons learned, what remains to be solved, and the level of detail needed for agreements and contracts that involve communications or grid services. Wath a recording of the meeting.
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Grid Engineering Practices & Standards
Past Meetings
April 26, 2023: How to Determine Hosting Capacity on the Bulk Electric System
Distribution utilities in more than a dozen states offer publicly accessible hosting capacity maps, allowing developers of distributed energy resources to identify favorable and unfavorable locations before applying to interconnect, saving some of the time and cost for all stakeholders. Despite these potential benefits, hosting capacity methods are not widely applied on the bulk electric system (BES). This meeting highlighted technical challenges for implementing such maps in BPS and identify novel approaches to overcome such challenges. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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May 3, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Distribution System Protection with High DER Adoption Levels
Record amounts of distributed energy resources (DER) have changed the nature of fault currents and relay coordination on distribution systems. Some of the conventional solutions have included direct transfer trip, de minimus DER levels on urban secondary networks, and forced disconnection whenever the feeder is reconfigured. These methods have limitations for both DER and the utility. This exchange discussed newer methods that might work better, and identify pathways to adoption. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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August 2, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Defining Distribution, Sub-transmission, Transmission, and the Bulk System for Interconnection
What is sub-transmission? It’s important to know when applying to connect generation, or study such an application, at a location that might be classified as sub-transmission. Of the many terms in use to describe transmission, distribution, or sub-transmission, only “bulk electric system” is rigorously defined, leaving much room to interpret other terms. As the grid becomes more complicated and less hierarchical, the interconnection community needs to find better ways of cooperating. Watch a recording of the meeting.
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Equity & Energy Justice
Past Meetings
May 17, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Distributive, Recognition, Procedural, and Restorative Justice in Interconnection
Ensuring i2X Solution e-Xchanges develop equitable pathways for improvements to the interconnection process is a vital component of i2X's mission to support simpler, faster, and fairer interconnection. This meeting focused on the tenets of equity and energy justice in the context of interconnection for all Solution e-Xchange participants to keep top of mind as we work together to address the most pressing interconnection issues facing our nation. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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July 19, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Collecting and Considering Feedback in Public Policy
Evidence is mounting that the United States is shifting toward a focus on equity and energy justice. Renewable interconnection policies play an important role in that shift. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Justice40 Initiative launched in early 2021 and directs 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments to flow to disadvantaged communities. Several states have also been centering equity and energy justice in recent years. This territory may be new for some policymakers and actors, but is well tread for advocates. This Solution e-Xchange focused on merging those worlds through collaboration. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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Grid Data Transparency
Past Meetings
May 31, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Limitations and Barriers to Improving Pre-Application Data Transparency
Previous i2X Solution e-Xchanges have highlighted the need for increased data prior to the submission of an interconnection request in order to reduce developer uncertainty and mitigate the need to submit exploratory requests. This meeting will unpack the limitations and barriers to making such data more transparent and accessible. Pre-application data may include, for example, data on transmission or distribution headroom (i.e., hosting capacity), data on estimated or historical upgrade costs by location, and detailed generator equipment data needed by transmission providers to run models. This meeting will feature shared content and breakout sessions across both distribution (DER) and transmission (BPS) interconnections. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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July 6, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Opportunities to Improve Accessibility and Standardization of Post-Application Interconnection Queue and Cost Data
Data on interconnection processes, timelines, and upgrade costs are crucial to enable third-party analysis, auditing, and to assess the efficacy of implemented reforms. Yet, the publicly accessible data currently provided through interconnection queues lacks details that are important to understanding key trends and interconnection barriers and are not well standardized across grid operators. Interconnection cost data, in particular, is very difficult or even impossible to access at the project-level, making any compilation and analysis of cost trends extremely costly and challenging. This e-Xchange explored opportunities to improve the transparency, accessibility, and standardization of interconnection process, timeline, and cost data in order to inform, assess, and improve interconnection procedures going forward. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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Interconnection Workforce & Training
Past Meetings
July 11, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Introduction to the Interconnection Workforce: Identifying Engaged Professions, Determining the Current State of the Workforce, and Kicking Off Discussion of Key Challenges
Retaining and growing a strong, diverse, and equitable workforce is critical to supporting efficient and cost-effective interconnection processes in both the transmission and distribution systems. Stakeholders across the interconnection landscape, from public utility commissions to utilities and clean energy developers, are facing increasing challenges with hiring, retaining, and training staff engaged in the interconnection regulatory and implementation process. Positions include engineers, project managers, attorneys, policy experts, and others. The goal of the Interconnection Workforce & Training e-Xchanges is to identify barriers and solutions to scaling the interconnection workforce necessary for supporting state PUCs, utilities, clean energy and transmission resource developers, Regional Transmission Organizations, and other stakeholders working on interconnection regulation and implementation. This meeting focused on defining the “interconnection workforce,” determining the current state of the workforce, and identifying key challenges with hiring, retention, and training. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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July 20, 2023, 2-4 p.m. ET: Scaling the Interconnection Workforce: Identifying the Growth Needs and the Challenges with Hiring, Retention, and Training
The interconnection workforce—broadly defined as professions engaged in distribution and transmission interconnection, including (but not limited to) reviewing and processing interconnection applications, engaging in regulatory processes, and preparing and submitting interconnection applications—needs to scale in order to keep up with the growing demand for safely and reliably integrating clean energy resources on the grid. But how much does the interconnection workforce need to scale? And what are the key barriers to scaling it? This meeting focused on determining how to assess the growth needs for the interconnection workforce, and identifying the key challenges with hiring, retention, and training, such as for project managers, engineers, attorneys, policy experts, and other positions involved in interconnection. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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August 8, 2023, 12-2 p.m. ET: Identifying Solutions to Equitably Scaling the Interconnection Workforce
The interconnection workforce—broadly defined as professions engaged in distribution and transmission interconnection, including (but not limited to) reviewing and processing interconnection applications, engaging in regulatory processes, and preparing and submitting interconnection applications—has to scale in order to keep up with the growing demand for safely and reliably integrating clean energy resources on the grid. Both near-term solutions (those that address immediate staffing constraints at public utility commissions, utilities, clean energy developers, and other entities) and longer-term solutions (such as higher-education and continuing education programs) will be necessary to scale the interconnection workforce. This session explored near- and longer-term solutions, drawing, in part, from best practices in the clean energy workforce space. Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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August 15, 2023, 12-2 p.m. ET: Continuing to Identify and Prioritize Solutions to Equitably Scaling the Interconnection Workforce Through Hiring, Retention, and Training
The interconnection workforce—broadly defined as professions engaged in distribution and transmission interconnection, including (but not limited to) reviewing and processing interconnection applications, engaging in regulatory processes, and preparing and submitting interconnection applications—has to scale in order to keep up with the growing demand for safely and reliably integrating clean energy resources on the grid. Both near-term solutions (those that address immediate staffing constraints at public utility commissions, utilities, clean energy developers, and other entities) and longer-term solutions (such as higher-education and continuing education programs) will be necessary to scale the interconnection workforce. This session continued identifying near- and longer-term solutions, drawing, in part, from best practices in the clean energy workforce space, and worked toward prioritizing solutions for adoption by relevant stakeholders (e.g., educational institutions, state and federal agencies, continuing education providers, etc.). Watch a recording of the meeting and download the presentation slides (PDF).
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Special Topics
Past Meetings
August 1, 2023, 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET and August 11, 2023, 3-5 p.m. ET: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The deployment of electric vehicle charging stations is occurring at a rapid pace and will continue to increase. With this unprecedented growth, challenges have emerged with processing requests and receiving timely, cost-effective approvals for connecting high power electric vehicle charging stations to the power grid. The conversations in these meetings aimed to bridge perspectives and discuss possible solutions and approaches to expedite the process by examining challenges and bottlenecks associated with the interconnection and service request process, where delays are occurring, and discussing successful approaches for reducing confusion and streamlining the process. Watch a recording of the first meeting and watch a recording of the second meeting.
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Meetings are virtual and will be hosted on Wednesdays or Thursdays for two hours. Each meeting will start with a short presentation and panel discussion, followed by at least one hour of moderated interactive discussion about the meeting’s topic among attendees. There will be up to four meetings per topic with flexibility to host additional specialized or deep dive meetings based on popular demand or interest. The meetings are open, multi-stakeholder, interdisciplinary (e.g., technology, engineering, change management, markets, regulation), inclusive, and collaborative. Presentations or materials used during meetings will be available online when possible. Interactive discussions will not be recorded or posted online.
These Solution e-Xchanges meetings will help formulate a 5-year Strategic Roadmap while building an interconnection community of practice, excellence, and innovation for years to come. The i2X team plans to kick-off a second round of Solution eXchange meetings starting October 2023.
Meetings Rules of Conduct
The i2X Solution e-Xchanges are building blocks for a collaborative interconnection community of practice, excellence, and innovation, for years to come. Every community has rules of conduct to exercise when engaging others during meetings and events. Ours are few and simple because they are anchored in mutual respect, collaboration, and openness to learn. They are:
- Assume good faith and respect differences.
- Listen actively and respectfully.
- Use "Yes and" to build on others' ideas.
- Please self-edit and encourage others to speak-up.
- Seek to learn from others.