Council reviews first‑reading package on customer generation: interconnection standards, Abbott appendix and PCA calculation changes

TIPP CITY, Ohio — The Tipp City Council reviewed a set of related first‑reading ordinances addressing customer‑owned electric generation and how the city will treat such generation in its rate calculations.

City staff presented an ordinance establishing interconnection standards and parallel‑operation rules for customer‑owned generation facilities — including rooftop and behind‑the‑meter generators — and said the city worked with an electric consultant to align with industry safety and technical standards. “This ordinance adopts standards and regulations for electric system and customer owned generation, like solar panels for instance,” Mr. Mack said at the meeting.

Council also considered a project‑specific appendix to those standards for Abbott Laboratories Inc., whose industrial expansion includes a behind‑the‑meter generator. Mr. Mack said the appendix spells out technical specifications unique to Abbottad's installation.

A separate ordinance was introduced to amend the cityads purchased power cost adjustment (PCA) to include any costs related to customer‑owned generation in the PCA calculation. City staff stated the change would allow the PCA to reflect variations in power supply costs and incorporate the accounting of customer generation.

All three measures were presented for first reading and sponsorship; no final votes were held. City staff said the ordinances and the Abbott appendix are intended to ensure safety, technical compliance and clarity in rate treatment as customer‑owned generation increases.

Council did not adopt the ordinances; staff will return with finalized language and technical attachments for subsequent council consideration.