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National Grid explains three interconnection paths and points to state 'Electric Sector Modernization Plan' for upgrades
Summary
National Grid representatives described distribution vs. transmission, outlined three interconnection paths (simplified up to 25 kW, expedited, and standard) and said the state-approved Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP) is guiding asset acquisitions and upgrades to help accommodate more distributed energy resources; they said some upgrades required for new projects are charged to the project customer.
Robert Dodd (who identified himself as municipal relations manager for Northampton territory) and Will Curran (manager for National Grid’s large-scale DG interconnection group) briefed commissioners on how the electrical system is organized and what homeowners and developers can expect when seeking to interconnect distributed generation.
National Grid framed the system as generation → transmission (69 kV and above) → distribution (what customers see). Mr. Curran described three interconnection paths governed by a distribution connection tariff: a simplified path for many residential rooftop systems (capped at 25 kilowatts), an expedited path for mid-size projects, and a standard path for large or complex commercial and ground-mounted systems that can take years to complete.
The presenters said Massachusetts has seen heavy uptake of distributed generation in the past decade and that National Grid has connected roughly 2.6 gigawatts of DG in its Massachusetts territory. As a result of that success, they said, "low-hanging fruit" interconnection opportunities are fewer and timelines have lengthened.
On who pays for upgrades: presenters described a two-part reality. They said statewide planning under an Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP) — approved by Massachusetts regulators and implemented via an advisory process — identifies system-wide investments to increase capacity. Separately, they said, upgrades specifically needed to facilitate a particular solar project are typically charged to the customer/connector. "Any upgrades that are needed to facilitate that solar farm is on behalf of that customer who's connected to the electrical system," one presenter said.
Commissioners pressed for detail on cost responsibility and where in the city distribution constraints are likely to arise. National Grid said the ESMP directs utilities to acquire assets (transformers and the like) and to plan out capacity over a multi-decade horizon; project-specific interconnections may still require customer-funded upgrades depending on location and system conditions.
What’s next: presenters offered to answer project-specific questions offline and commissioners noted they would pursue follow-up with National Grid staff. No regulatory actions were taken at the meeting.
