What it is and when you need it
Interconnection feasibility, also called a capacity check or service availability request, is the first formal answer from whoever runs the network to a simple question: can the grid take this load or this generation, and at which point? Everything designed afterwards, from the single-line diagram to the substation, starts from that answer.
Depending on the size of the project and the voltage level, the request goes to the local distribution utility or to the transmission owner or system operator. Requirements, forms and timelines depend on each utility and system operator; we adapt the work to the local grid code and to the requirements your utility gives you.
You need it above all when you are building a plant, a warehouse or a private substation, when you increase the load or change the voltage level, and before designing a self-generation or solar system. It is part of our engineering design and studies service.
What the utility checks
In practice, the utility reviews:
- The available capacity of the feeders and transformers that would supply the project.
- Voltage regulation at the point of connection and for the other customers on the feeder.
- The right voltage level for the requested load.
- The effect of special loads on power quality, so that your equipment does not degrade service for other customers (IEC TR 61000-3-6 and 61000-3-7, or IEEE 519 where the utility applies it).
What is included
- Load estimate: load schedule, expected maximum demand and growth stages, so that you ask for neither too little nor too much.
- Special loads: direct-on-line motors, variable-speed drives, furnaces or other loads that affect voltage drop and harmonics, with a preliminary assessment of their effect.
- Preliminary single-line diagram, with a proposed voltage level and point of connection.
- Review of the utility’s public information: its technical standard, published requirements and, for generation, its hosting capacity map.
- Technical content of the request forms, with the information the utility asks for.
- For large loads and generation, the review of the network information published by the transmission owner and the connection alternatives that the grid interconnection study then develops.
- Reading of the answer: point offered, conditions, required works and studies, and validity, with our recommendations.
- Technical comments, if the answer is unfavourable or changes the voltage level.
How we work
Feasibility is desk work, and we do it remotely. You pay no travel, and the project moves just as fast wherever it is.
- Project review. We understand what you will connect, where and when, and which path applies: distribution utility or transmission and system operator.
- Network information. If needed, we tell you which network data to ask the utility for.
- Technical preparation. We estimate the load, identify special loads and prepare the preliminary single-line and the request support.
- Submission. You or your authorized representative submit the request through the utility’s channel.
- Answer review. We review the utility’s answer and explain what it means for design and construction. If you disagree, we prepare the technical comments.
With a favourable answer, the next step is study and design, within the same service: grid interconnection studies, primary engineering and the protection coordination study.
What we need from you
- Location of the site and of the point where you need service.
- Site identification and, if it already exists, the account or customer number.
- Equipment list or load schedule, with nameplate data of motors and large loads.
- Planned in-service date and, if applicable, growth stages.
- For generation: technology, installed capacity and whether you will export to the grid.
- Any previous answers or correspondence from the utility.
Why Tiza Group
- Feasibility thought out from the design: the same team that prepares the request later designs the substation and calculates its protection, so what you declare today does not force you to redo the single-line tomorrow.
- Medium, high and extra-high voltage, in substations and industry.
- Remote work, wherever the project is.
Have a project that needs a grid connection? Tell us what you want to connect and we will tell you which path applies.