A utility perspective on the new Massachusetts DG interconnection tariff (summary of a panel session presentation)

In recent years, several state utility regulatory agencies have mandated creation of simplified policies and procedures for interconnection of customer-owned distributed generation (DG) to the utility distribution system (the "grid"). The primary focus of these efforts has been relatively small generating units (kW-scale) designed for residential or commercial sites. This paper reports on the new DG tariff in Massachusetts, which was created via a collaborative process involving utilities, DG suppliers, utility customers, public interest groups and other interested stakeholders over a two-year period. The tariff builds upon work done in California and New York as well as DG tariff development undertaken by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Finally, this paper is a preview of material to be presented at the conference. The presentation covers the topics noted here along with comments on experience with the tariff and plans for additional work by the ongoing DG tariff collaborative