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Delaware moves to the head of the class on grid interconnection; Vote Solar
Institute cites stateâ(EURO)(TM)s leadership on connecting clean energy
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October 21, 2011
DOVER -- The Vote Solar Institute has moved Delaware to "the head of the
class" when it comes to connecting renewable resources to the grid in the
2011 edition of its report, . Delaware was one of three states to earn an
"A" grade for both net metering and interconnection policies that support
renewable resources such as wind and solar energy, with the report ranking
its policies "among the strongest in the country."
Under Governor Jack Markell's leadership, Delaware adopted a progressive
net-metering law with strong bipartisan support in 2010 (Senate Bill 267,
sponsored by Senators Harris McDowell and Gary Simpson and Representatives
Dennis Williams and Michael Mulrooney) that makes it easier for utility
customers to sell excess renewable energy to the grid.
Delaware is adopting leading-edge interconnection policies that allow small
renewable resources to connect to the grid without requiring redundant and
restrictive review from PJM Interconnection, the regional grid manager. The
Vote Solar report praised the state's collaboration with local electrical
utilities along with the efforts of the Public Service Commission to
implement model interconnection standards.
The report highlights Delaware's progress, noting that the state moved from
an "F" to an "A" in the category of interconnection policy:
As of mid-2011, Delaware is poised to adopt interconnection procedures that
are among the strongest in the country and have received a score of "A" in
Freeing the Grid 2011. In addition, the adoption of rules for aggregate
metering and community renewables has greatly expanded opportunities for
investment in renewable energy among customer groups who previously would
have been unable to fully utilize the state's solid net metering program.
Most importantly, Delaware's renewable energy policies are finally aligned
to bring significant investment in renewable energy to the state.
DNREC Secretary Collin O'Mara welcomed the news, saying, "Under Governor
Markell's leadership, Delaware is taking significant steps to transition
towards cleaner sources of energy. Through the innovative clean energy
policies recognized in this report, including virtual net-metering,
community aggregation, and interconnection policies, Delaware is emerging as
one of the best places in the U.S. for clean energy investments."
"Integrating more clean energy into the grid puts more people to work,
supports capital investment, and promotes a healthier environment," Gov.
Markell said. "Through strong bipartisan support, Delaware has demonstrated
repeatedly that we can strengthen our economy and improve our environment at
the same time."
Vote Solar cites Delaware's progressive polices including simplified
interconnection procedures, aggregate net metering that allows customers to
link several meters on a farm or college campus, and allowing communities to
link multiple home meters to one jointly-owned renewable resource.
CONTACT: Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Copyright 2011 Normans Media Limited
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