The growing contribution of distributed energy resources (DER) to the U.S. electricity supply can be sustained if challenges in their interconnection to the distribution and sub-transmission grids are addressed. A plan for accelerating and improving DER interconnection processes through 2030 has been outlined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The recommendations address increasing data access, transparency and security; improving interconnection processes and timelines; promoting economic efficiency; and maintaining a reliable, resilient and secure grid. Metrics relating to these goals are also outlined, including a target to make state-level interconnection queue data publicly available across all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories.

According to the roadmap, interconnection bottlenecks result from misalignment between processes designed for a small number of interconnection requests and rapid growth in the number of DERs seeking interconnection. Proposed solutions to eliminate the bottlenecks include self-service options for smaller projects, process automation and possibly penalties for utility delays in completing interconnection studies.

For projects with a capacity of less than 50 kW, the agency is aiming to agree to a grid connection within one day of a request being made; this timeframe is increased to within 75 days for projects up to 5 MW and up to 140 days for projects larger than 5 MW.

In addition to distributed solar and storage, energy systems considered in the roadmap include electric vehicle chargers and distributed wind projects.