Connecting Generation

Are you installing a rooftop solar system under 100 kilowatts (kW)?

If so, visit our Rooftop Solar Installation & Interconnecting with the PUD page to learn what to expect and how to get connected.

Planning a slightly larger system – such as solar or battery storage – between 100 and 199 kW? This section walks you through the interconnection process, so you’ll understand steps, timelines, and requirements before getting started.

Net Billing

The PUD’s Net Billing program is available to customers with appropriately sized energy systems, including solar, fuel cells, and cogeneration. If your system sends excess electricity back to the grid, you could be eligible to receive bill credits based on the amount of energy contributed, measured per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

For full details, see the Net Billing schedule in the PUD’s Electric Rate Book.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Complete the Small Distributed Generation Interconnection Application and Agreement and email it – along with all required documents – to interconnection@snopud.com.

Step 2: Application Review

Timeline: Approximately 2 weeks or more

Once approved, you’ll receive an Approval to Construct by email. An $85 processing fee will be applied to the applicant’s PUD account.

Step 3: Install Your System

After receiving Approval to Construct, you may begin installation. All installations must meet:

• PUD Electrical Service Requirements (see Section 6: Generation Interconnection)
• Local building codes and permitting requirements

During this time, the PUD will also begin installing an AMI meter, if needed, to prepare for net billing.

Step 4: Complete Construction

Once installation is complete and your electrical permit is finalized by your local jurisdiction or L&I, submit a Notice of Completion to the PUD.

Step 5: Net Billing Activation

The PUD will finalize your Net Billing Agreement and give the OK to turn on your system.

Standby or backup generation refers to generators owned by customers that may, depending on configuration, send electricity back to the grid. These systems do not meet the qualifications of a Distributed Energy Resource (DER). For example, a residential battery does not qualify as standby/back-up generation.

Why do I need to apply before installing standby generation?

Notifying the PUD before installing standby generation helps protect customers, utility employees, and the community.

If standby generation is not properly installed or documented, output may bypass system protection equipment. This can cause dangerous conditions for community members and PUD employees.

Before Applying

Customers planning to operate standby generation in parallel (connected) with the electric system must meet all applicable Electrical Service Requirements (ESRs).

How to Apply

Before connecting standby generation capable of parallel operation, complete both required applications listed below.

• Form 6-1
• Form 6-2

Both forms can be found here (snopud.com/esr).

New Customers must also complete a New Service Questionnaire (choose Commercial New Service/Rewire)

Questions? Contact interconnection@snopud.com.

Projects 200 kW and larger must complete an evaluation and study process to determine whether system upgrades are needed to support the project.

Customers are responsible for paying a portion of any identified upgrade costs.

• Initial fees are based on project‑specific studies using a time‑and‑materials approach.
• Final costs are reconciled at project completion.
• Applicable costs must be paid up front.

Study Process Overview

Below is an overview of the study process, expected timelines, and fees.

1. Application Review

Timeline: 1–2 weeks.

• Customer submits Form 6‑1 (located at snopud.com/esr), signed by the project owner
• The PUD completes a Feasibility Review
• A review meeting is held with the customer and PUD staff

2. Interconnection Studies

Timeline: 5–8 months. Fee: $10,000 minimum (higher depending on complexity)

• Customer submits Form 6‑2 (located at snopud.com/esr)
• A Customer Service Contract Agreement is established
• The PUD conducts engineering studies and identifies required system upgrades

3. Interconnection Agreement & Detailed Design

Timeline: Project‑dependent

• The PUD develops detailed engineering plans and cost estimates
• Contract is drawn up defining scope, fees, and construction services
• Financing, collateral, and potential refunds are calculated and defined
• The Interconnection Agreement is drafted and executed

4. Testing and Start‑Up

Timeline: 1–6 months

• Customer provides calibration and commissioning reports
• Customer and PUD staff participate in witness testing

5. Commercial Operation

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

• Customer submits proof of insurance and environmental documentation
• The PUD issues Parallel Operation Authorization and a Letter of Commercial Operation

Additional details are available in the Facility Connection Requirements and the Generation Interconnection Process Workflow.

How to Apply

Submit Form 6-1, Customer Generation Primary Application:

• Form 6-1 found at snopud.com/esr

The application must include all required information and a signature from the project owner to be considered complete. If an application is missing information, the PUD will contact you to help complete it.

Have questions or want to schedule an introductory meeting? Email interconnection@snopud.com.

Technical Requirements

Projects 200 kW and larger must comply with parameters detailed in the technical reference links at the base of this page.

• Electrical Service Requirements (Section 6: Generation Interconnection)
• Facility Connection Requirements
• Modeling Data Requirements and Procedure Standards (for transmission‑connected projects)

Additional Considerations

Coordinating with BPA

Some projects must also follow BPA’s Small Generator Interconnection Procedures (SGIP).

When possible, PUD staff will coordinate PUD and BPA reviews at the same time. Depending on project complexity, total timelines vary from 12 to 36 months.

For questions, contact interconnection@snopud.com.

Generation projects larger than 2 MW

Projects larger than 2 megawatts (MW) are reviewed case by case. Contact interconnection@snopud.com to discuss next steps.

Net Billing Rate (up to 1 MW)

DER projects up to 1 MW may be eligible for Net Billing.

Customers receive bill credits for electricity exported to the grid, calculated per kWh. See the Electric Rate Book for details. Eligibility is confirmed during the Interconnection Agreement process.