POI Interconnection Engineering Support for Utility Approved Grid Connections

The Point of Interconnection (POI) is the location where a renewable energy project or power generation facility connects to the existing electrical grid. It is the physical or electrical point where the generated power is transferred from the plant to the transmission or distribution network. The POI is crucial for ensuring that the generated electricity is integrated seamlessly into the grid.

POI Interconnection Engineering Support Services involve the technical assistance required for the successful design, planning, analysis, and execution of the interconnection process between a power generation system and the electrical grid. These services ensure that the interconnection complies with grid codes, standards, and regulatory requirements while optimizing safety, efficiency, and reliability.

The interconnection process is a critical step in ensuring that power generated by renewable energy systems can be safely and efficiently delivered to the grid. These services help identify potential challenges in grid capacity, voltage stability, and protection schemes, while ensuring that the system meets local, regional, and national grid codes and standards.

Our POI Interconnection Engineering Support includes:

• Feasibility Studies: Analyzing the technical feasibility of connecting your power plant to the grid at the proposed POI.
• Grid Impact Studies: Evaluating how the interconnection will affect the existing grid in terms of voltage, stability, and reliability.
• Transmission System Studies: Assessing the capability of the transmission
• network to accommodate additional power generation from the plant.
• Power Flow Analysis: Ensuring that the power flow from the plant to the grid remains balanced and stable.
• Short Circuit Analysis: Determining fault levels at the POI and ensuring the proper sizing of protective equipment.
• Protection Coordination: Designing protection schemes to prevent system damage and minimize the impact of faults.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the interconnection adheres to grid codes, local regulations, and industry standards.
• Interconnection Agreement Support: Assisting with the negotiation and preparation of interconnection agreements with utility companies or transmission system operators.
• System Upgrade Recommendations: Identifying any necessary upgrades to the grid or plant equipment to ensure a safe and reliable interconnection.

The selection of a POI depends on various factors, including the location of existing transmission lines, grid capacity, distance from the plant, and regulatory requirements. We assess these factors through feasibility studies and grid impact analyses to determine the most optimal POI that minimizes cost, risk, and technical challenges.

A Grid Impact Study analyzes how connecting a power generation system to the grid at the proposed POI will affect the performance of the transmission or distribution system. It includes evaluating power flow, voltage stability, fault conditions, and overall grid reliability. The study helps identify potential upgrades or modifications needed to accommodate the new generation capacity.

The interconnection process must adhere to grid codes and regulations set by local transmission system operators (TSOs), utility companies, and government bodies. These regulations may address issues such as voltage control, frequency stability, protection coordination, safety standards, and environmental considerations. Our team ensures that all interconnection procedures comply with these requirements, ensuring the project’s smooth approval and integration.

We follow a rigorous process that includes:

• Detailed design reviews and simulations to ensure the interconnection is robust and fault-tolerant.
• Comprehensive protection system design that includes proper settings for relays, circuit breakers, and other protective devices.
• Short-circuit analysis to verify that protective devices will respond correctly during fault conditions.
• Continuous collaboration with grid operators to ensure compliance with operational standards and that the system remains stable and secure after interconnection.

The timeline for POI interconnection engineering depends on the complexity of the project and the requirements of the grid operator. Typically, the feasibility study, grid impact analysis, and other studies can take several weeks to a few months. Additional time may be required for addressing any upgrades or modifications to the grid or plant systems. We work closely with all stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and efficient project execution.

Common challenges in the POI interconnection process include:

• Grid capacity limitations: The grid may need upgrades to accommodate additional generation capacity.
• Regulatory hurdles: Complying with complex regulatory requirements can delay the process.
• Protection and safety concerns: Ensuring that the interconnection does not cause safety issues or grid instability.
• Cost considerations: The need for infrastructure upgrades, transmission line expansions, or additional protective equipment can increase project costs. Our team helps mitigate these challenges by conducting thorough studies, coordinating with utilities, and providing tailored solutions to overcome obstacles.

We assist in the preparation and negotiation of interconnection agreements with utility companies and transmission system operators. These agreements outline the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of both parties, including the technical requirements, financial arrangements, and timelines for the interconnection. We ensure that these agreements protect your interests and comply with industry standards.

We help manage costs by conducting detailed feasibility studies and grid impact analyses early in the process, allowing us to identify potential issues and recommend cost-effective solutions. Our team works closely with contractors, utilities, and regulatory bodies to streamline the process, avoid unnecessary expenses, and minimize delays.

Yes, we offer post-interconnection support to ensure that the integration of the power plant into the grid is smooth and operational. This can include:

• Performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Addressing any operational issues that arise.
• Supporting with any ongoing regulatory or compliance requirements.

The cost of our POI interconnection services varies depending on the complexity and scale of the project. We provide customized pricing based on the scope of the work, the type of studies required, and the level of support needed. We offer competitive rates and ensure that you receive high-value engineering expertise tailored to your project.

While both POI and PCC refer to physical connection points, they apply in different contexts. The Point of Interconnection (POI) is where your specific generation facility connects to the utility grid. The Point of Common Coupling (PCC) is a shared connection point used by multiple customers. POI is typically used in utility-scale projects, while PCC is more common in distributed generation or commercial setups under IEEE 1547.

Interconnections in power systems can be categorized as physical (e.g., transmission line tie-ins), network-based (between different grid zones), or system-level (between balancing authorities). In renewable energy, the most common interconnection is physical — connecting your solar, wind, or battery project to a specific POI on the transmission or distribution grid.

The Point of Interconnection (POI) is where the project connects to the utility grid. The Point of Delivery (POD) is where the power is officially handed off to the purchaser or utility for billing and metering purposes. In many projects, the POI and POD are the same, but in some cases they can be separate depending on the utility's metering infrastructure.

Sure. Imagine a solar farm in Texas that generates power and feeds it into the ERCOT grid. The interconnection point — or POI — might be a nearby 138kV substation owned by the utility. After conducting studies and submitting an interconnection application, the project gets approval to connect at that location. From there, the solar farm delivers power directly to the grid.