What's New

As we move from Customer Connections Online (CCO) to "Your Projects" there are some new features benefiting customers and PG&E.

1. Load Applications for all customer types can now be submitted through Your Projects.
2. Generation Export (Rule 21 and Wholesale Distribution) applications can be submitted through Your Projects.
3. Applications for New Residential Service combined with Solar can be submitted through Your Projects.

On June 4, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission issued Decision D.21-06-002, which, among other things, adopted a two-year pilot program that permits certain small non-export Generating Facilities[1] to interconnect and operate in parallel with PG&E's Distribution System under a Notification-Only Process in lieu of the standard interconnection application process.

Under the Notification-Only Process, pre-approved developers and prospective customers are permitted to submit to PG&E a Notification-Only Package to https://yourprojects-pge.com/login no later than 15 business days after the project system passes final permit inspection and to receive Permission To Operate (PTO) upon submission of the Notification-Only Package.

Section 1: Applying for Pre-Approved Developer Status

To become a pre-approved contractor eligible for participation in the Notification-Only Process, interested contractors are required to submit an eligibility request to PG&E that includes:

1. The contractor's name and contact information
2. A list of no less than 20 non-export projects in PG&E's service territory for which PTO was issued by PG&E. Each of the submitted projects must show how each project meets each of the eligibility criteria for the Notification-Only Process set forth below. Please be sure to address all of the eligibility criteria. For each project please list the following in form 79-1214(Notification-Only Developer Eligibility Application):
   1. Unique project identifier (Notification #'s);
   2. Confirmation from developer that the 20 projects meets the criteria; and
   3. UL Certified PCS or approved non-export relay.
3. Submit an attestation stating:
   1. the developer applying for Pre-Approved status understands where the networked secondary portions of PG&E's grid are located. The boundaries of PG&E's Secondary Network are located here (please click here to view the map); and
   2. the developer will not use the Notification-Only Process for projects deployed on the networked secondary portions of PG&E's grid or located within a quarter mile distance from any networked secondary portion of PG&E's grid.
   Interested contractors may begin submitting eligibility request on July 19, 2021. After a contractor is deemed eligible, pre-approved contractors may begin submitting Notification-Only Packages immediately upon receiving pre-approval status from PG&E, but no earlier than August 2, 2021[2] and no later than July 19, 2023.

Please submit completed eligibility requests to: https://yourprojects-pge.com/login.

PG&E will provide a response within 10 business after receiving a complete eligibility request.

Section 2: Notification-Only Package and Application Process

The Notification-Only Process is available only to Pre-Approved developers (Please see Section 1). A list of Pre-Approved Developers can be found at a website the three utilities are working on setting up.

Developers and customers interested in participating in the Notification-Only Interconnection Application pilot shall submit a Notification-Only Package via email at https://yourprojects-pge.com/login to PG&E no later than 15 business days after the project system passes final permit inspection.

Please note that PG&E is working to improve this pilot program. These instructions will be updated as PG&E further updates and automates the process.

Step 1: Submit a completed Notification-Only Package

Completed Notification-Only Package must be submitted via email to https://yourprojects-pge.com/login and must include all of the following:

1. A completed/signed Interconnection Agreement (IA) and Agreement and Authorization form (AA)[3]; (Form 79-1213)
2. Customer's Certificate of Insurance
3. Electrical Release from the authority having jurisdiction
4. Developer and Customer Attestations to the following:
   1. That the system meets all of the pilot project eligibility criteria:
      1. Project size gross nameplate capacity is equal to or less than 30KVA. This can be one single non-export storage project with capacity is equal to or less than 30KVA, a new non-export generating facility consisting of solar and storage where the aggregate generating nameplate facility is less than or equal to 30KVA, or addition to an existing non-export project where the aggregate of new plus existing non-export is capacity is equal to or less than 30KVA.
      2. Uses a UL Certified Power Control System which has been pre-approved by PG&E for use in this pilot. A list of approve UL Certified Power Control Systems can be found at a website the three utilities are working on setting up.
      3. Uses an inverter that has been pre-approved by PG&E. A list of approved inverters can be found at a website the three utilities are working on setting up.
      4. Project is installed at a location with an PG&E service voltage of 120V or 240V that uses an PG&E self-contained meter [2].
      5. The project is located at minimum of 1/4 mile away from PG&E's Secondary Network. A map of PG&E's Secondary Network boundaries can be found on PG&E's website. (A guidebook for the ICA map is included there as well.)
      6. The charging of the storage will be such that it will not increase host customer's peak monthly peak demand.
      7. The developer has balanced, as practicable, the generation across the 120/240V secondary service.
      8. The developer submitting the notification-only package is in the list of Pre-Approved Developers.
   2. Both Developer and Customer each recognize and understand the auditing element of the Notification-Only interconnection application pilot program (see Section 4 below).

Step 2: Permission To Operate (PTO) and Invoice

1. Upon receipt of the Notification-Only Package, PG&E will issue Permission to Operate (PTO) for the Notification-Only Generating Facility. Please note this is provisional, as PTO may be revoked in the event PG&E identifies deficiencies that are not resolved within 5 business days or if PG&E determines the project creates a safety and/or reliability concern.
2. PG&E will require the Draft Invoice to be sent along with the deficiency notice for the Interconnection Request Fee per Electric Rule 21 Table E.1 in the amount $800.00 within 5 BD after being notified via the deficiency notice.

Step 3: Notification-Only Package Review and Curing of Any Deficiencies

Within 15 business days from receipt of Notification-Only Package, PG&E will review the Notification-Only Package for completeness and accuracy and will notify the approved developer and customer of any missing requirements.

Developer must provide missing information to PG&E within 5 business days of PG&E's requesting the information. The project's PTO will be revoked if the identified deficiencies are not resolved within 5 business days or if PG&E determines that the Notification-Only projects creates safety and/or reliability concerns.

PG&E notes that connection to the line side of the customer main meter (Line-side tap) must be pre-approved by PG&E as part of its normal study process and therefore, projects that use line-side taps will not be permitted to participate in the Notification-Only Process. PG&E will revoke PTO for any projects which are submitted using line side taps and such projects must be submitted via normal interconnection process, which would include the review and approval of the line-side tap.

[1] Generating Facility is defined as all Generators, electrical wires, equipment, and other facilities, excluding Interconnection Facilities used for the purpose of producing electric power, including storage.
[2] August 2 is 20 days after the start of the program.
[3] See Advice 6249-E being submitted concurrently with this advice letter.

Starting December 2021, please be advised that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requirements for most* residential customers taking service and interconnecting solar under Net Energy Metering (NEM) have been updated.

*Certain exceptions may apply. More information is available at PG&E's Consumer Protection FAQ and the CPUC's California Solar Consumer Protection Guide website.

CPUC Decision 21-06-026 and Form 79-1215

CPUC Decision 21-06-026 requires customers subject to consumer protection regulations to provide information for CPUC regulatory and enforcement purposes, such as Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) registration number (if applicable) and Financing information. For most residential solar applications, this information will be collected in YourProjects portal. However, if you are participating in NEMEXP or NEMMT, please fill out Form 79-1215, NET ENERGY METERING APPLICATION ADDENDUM (link shall be available on December 9,2021), and upload the document in the YourProjects portal document upload page.

Starting December 9,2021, pursuant to Rulemaking 17-07-007 Working Groups 2 and 3, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Decision 20-09-035 Ordering Paragraph 49, 50, PG&E's Interconnection portal will include provisions for specific types of "non-export" projects using a power control system (PCS). These new "non-export" project types specifically include interconnection applications for:

(i) non-export using a PCS - (new Rule 21 Section Mm1, Option 8) and

(ii) limited export using a PCS - (new Rule 21 Section Mm2, Option 9)

(iii) non-export with inadvertent export using a PCS - (new Rule 21 Section Mm3, Option10)

(iv) limited export with inadvertent export using a PCS - (new Rule 21 Section Mm4, Option 11).

A generating facility seeking treatment under one of these provisions must satisfy the conditions listed in Rule 21 Sections Mm1-4, as applicable (see Rule 21).

These options will be available for selection in the Equipment screen of the portal for each generator entered.

New Notification-Only Process Pilot Program for Certain Small Non-Export Projects

On June 4, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission issued Decision D.21-06-002, which, among other things, adopted a two-year pilot program that permits certain small non-export Generating Facilities[1] to interconnect and operate in parallel with PG&E's Distribution System under a Notification-Only Process in lieu of the standard interconnection application process.

Under the Notification-Only Process, pre-approved developers and prospective customers are permitted to submit to PG&E a Notification-Only Package to eginotification-onlypilot@pge.com no later than 15 business days after the project system passes final permit inspection and to receive Permission To Operate (PTO) upon submission of the Notification-Only Package.

Section 1: Applying for Pre-Approved Developer Status

To become a pre-approved contractor eligible for participation in the Notification-Only Process, interested contractors are required to submit an eligibility request to PG&E that includes:

1. The contractor's name and contact information
2. A list of no less than 20 non-export projects in PG&E's service territory for which PTO was issued by PG&E. Each of the submitted projects must show how each project meets each of the eligibility criteria for the Notification-Only Process set forth below. Please be sure to address all of the eligibility criteria. For each project please list the following in form 79-1214 (Notification-Only Developer Eligibility Application):
1. Unique project identifier (Notification #'s);
2. Confirmation from developer that the 20 projects meets the criteria; and
3. UL Certified PCS or approved non-export relay.
3. Submit an attestation stating:
1. the developer applying for Pre-Approved status understands where the networked secondary portions of PG&E's grid are located. The boundaries of PG&E's Secondary Network are located here (please click here to view the map); and
2. the developer will not use the Notification-Only Process for projects deployed on the networked secondary portions of PG&E's grid or located within a quarter mile distance from any networked secondary portion of PG&E's grid.

Interested contractors may begin submitting eligibility request on July 19, 2021. After a contractor is deemed eligible, pre-approved contractors may begin submitting Notification-Only Packages immediately upon receiving pre-approval status from PG&E, but no earlier than August 2, 2021[2] and no later than July 19, 2023.

Please submit completed eligibility requests to: eginotification-onlypilot@pge.com

PG&E will provide a response within 10 business after receiving a complete eligibility request.

Section 2: Notification-Only Package and Application Process

The Notification-Only Process is available only to Pre-Approved developers (Please see Section 1). A list of Pre-Approved Developers can be found at a website the three utilities are working on setting up.

Developers and customers interested in participating in the Notification-Only Interconnection Application pilot shall submit a Notification-Only Package via email at eginotification-onlypilot@pge.com to PG&E no later than 15 business days after the project system passes final permit inspection.

Please note that PG&E is working to improve this pilot program. These instructions will be updated as PG&E further updates and automates the process.

Step 1: Submit a completed Notification-Only Package

Completed Notification-Only Package must be submitted via email to eginotification-onlypilot@pge.com and must include all of the following:

1. A completed/signed Interconnection Agreement (IA) and Agreement and Authorization form (AA)[3]; (Form 79-1213)
2. Customer's Certificate of Insurance
3. Electrical Release from the authority having jurisdiction
4. Developer and Customer Attestations to the following:
1. That the system meets all of the pilot project eligibility criteria:
1. Project size gross nameplate capacity is equal to or less than 30KVA. This can be one single non-export storage project with capacity is equal to or less than 30KVA, a new non-export generating facility consisting of solar and storage where the aggregate generating nameplate facility is less than or equal to 30KVA, or addition to an existing non-export project where the aggregate of new plus existing non-export is capacity is equal to or less than 30KVA.
2. Uses a UL Certified Power Control System which has been pre-approved by PG&E for use in this pilot. A list of approve UL Certified Power Control Systems can be found at a website the three utilities are working on setting up.
3. Uses an inverter that has been pre-approved by PG&E. A list of approved inverters can be found at a website the three utilities are working on setting up.
4. Project is installed at a location with an PG&E service voltage of 120V or 240V that uses an PG&E self-contained meter.
5. The project is located at minimum of 1/4 mile away from PG&E's Secondary Network. A map of PG&E's Secondary Network boundaries can be found on PG&E's website. (A guidebook for the ICA map is included there as well.)
6. The charging of the storage will be such that it will not increase host customer's peak monthly peak demand.
7. The developer has balanced, as practicable, the generation across the 120/240V secondary service.
8. The developer submitting the notification-only package is in the list of Pre-Approved Developers.
2. Both Developer and Customer each recognize and understand the auditing element of the Notification-Only interconnection application pilot program (see Section 4 below).

Step 2: Permission To Operate (PTO) and Invoice

1. Upon receipt of the Notification-Only Package, PG&E will issue Permission to Operate (PTO) for the Notification-Only Generating Facility. Please note this is provisional, as PTO may be revoked in the event PG&E identifies deficiencies that are not resolved within 5 business days or if PG&E determines the project creates a safety and/or reliability concern.
2. PG&E will require the Draft Invoice to be sent along with the deficiency notice for the Interconnection Request Fee per Electric Rule 21 Table E.1 in the amount $800.00 within 5 BD after being notified via the deficiency notice.

Step 3: Notification-Only Package Review and Curing of Any Deficiencies

Within 15 business days from receipt of Notification-Only Package, PG&E will review the Notification-Only Package for completeness and accuracy and will notify the approved developer and customer of any missing requirements.

Developer must provide missing information to PG&E within 5 business days of PG&E's requesting the information. The project's PTO will be revoked if the identified deficiencies are not resolved within 5 business days or if PG&E determines that the Notification-Only projects creates safety and/or reliability concerns.

PG&E notes that connection to the line side of the customer main meter (Line-side tap) must be pre-approved by PG&E as part of its normal study process and therefore, projects that use line-side taps will not be permitted to participate in the Notification-Only Process. PG&E will revoke PTO for any projects which are submitted using line side taps and such projects must be submitted via normal interconnection process, which would include the review and approval of the line-side tap.

[1] Generating Facility is defined as all Generators, electrical wires, equipment, and other facilities, excluding Interconnection Facilities used for the purpose of producing electric power, including storage.

[2] August 2 is 20 days after the start of the program.

[3] See Advice 6249-E being submitted concurrently with this advice letter.

Starting Thursday June 29 2021, Advice letter AL 6155-E was filed to create the new Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E's) Electric Form 79-1211 - Generation Facility Material Modification Worksheet in accordance with Resolution E-5035 Ordering Paragraphs (OP) 4,5, and 9 as related to Advice Letter 5583-E. The form was introduced to propose a notification-only interim standard form template for Type II modifications to existing generating facilities. Below are the qualifying factors for the notification-only changes:

• Replacing inverters with "Like-for-Like"* where Generating Facility output will not exceed the inverter nameplate capacity listed in the current and effective Interconnection Agreement (IA) and the operating mode is not being adjusted
• Replacing inverters with an inverter type that increases the inverter nameplate capacity BUT certified power controls limit the real power output to the inverter capacity and is within 110% of the original nameplate listed in the current and effective IA.
• Adding storage capacity to a Generating Facility with an existing storage device WITHOUT changing the inverter

* Like-for-Like definition: For inverters, Like-for-Like means certified, same nameplate or smaller, same fault current or smaller. For solar panels, Like-for-Like means certified, same CEC-AC rating of the system or smaller. For batteries, Like-for-Like means same or less kWh & kW rating, and same operating profile. For transformers, Like-for-Like means same connection type, same or smaller impedance and capacity.

All other changes to existing systems are required to submit a new interconnection application.

Starting Thursday April 29 2021, the Your Projects portal will have the following changes to support the decision of Advice Letter 5938-E: Modifications to Interconnection Agreements for PG&E's Tariffs NEM and NEM2 Paired Storage for NEM-Integrity Situations to support Resiliency, and Other Minor Form Modifications:

• Solar Capacity factor has been updated to 0.17123, to yield an annual Estimated Solar Production factor of 1500 kwh/kw/year (i.e. 8,760 hrs/yr x 0.17123 solar capacity factor = 1,500; and Solar CEC-AC rating (kW) X 1,500 = (annual kWh) ).
• The "recent annual usage" calculation has been updated to 100% (i.e., NEM or NEM2 systems should be sized with an estimated annual production no larger than 100% of the Customer's total previous 12 months of usage (annual usage) and projected future increase.)
• Building size factor has been updated to 3.00 (i.e., 2 watts/ sq ft x 1/1,000 watts x 8,760 hrs/yr x 0.17123 solar capacity factor = 3.00; and Building size (sq ft) X 3.00 = (annual kWh) )
• If user selects Program type as Standard NEM with Energy Storage or Standard NBT/NEM Aggregation with Energy Storage, they shall not be allowed to proceed with the application if Storage system inverter(s) size is greater than 10kW or Solar PV and/or Wind system is greater than 30kW.
• The changes made to the Portal to support the decision can be found here.

Standalone storage 10 KW and below applying under Non-Export interconnection and storage systems 10 KW and below that share an inverter with solar systems less than or equal to 30 KW applying under Net Energy Metering (NEM) may submit the applicable simplified single line diagram template if the applicant can certify that all statements within the template are accurate. The applicant is responsible for reviewing and confirming if the template reflects their system design. The SLD templates are available here and on the Document Upload screen for the project types identified above.

• Standalone Battery Storage (Non Export Protection Option 3: Certified Non-Islanding Protection)
• Standalone Battery Storage (Non Export Protection Option 6: Inadvertent Export < 500kW Non-Islanding)
• SNEM Paired Storage (DC Coupled - NEM 30kW and less + battery storage 10kW and less)
• SNEM Paired Storage (AC Coupled - NEM 30kW and less + battery storage 10kW and less)

What is a resiliency project?

A resiliency project is a generator interconnection project that is installed to provide back-up power (resiliency) during a utility power outage or Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event.

There are two key types of backup power systems:

• Break-Before-Make - Customer load must disconnect (break) from utility power before the generator may operate. Generator interconnection application is not required because these systems do not connect to PG&E's system.
• Make-Before-Break - Generator may operate before the customer load disconnects from utility power. Generator interconnection application is required because the system is connected to PG&E's system.

What project types are considered resiliency projects?

The following project types are considered resiliency projects when configured to provide back-up power and identified as back-up on the interconnection application:

• SNEM Paired Storage (SNEMPS): 30 kW + storage 10kW
• NEM Paired Storage (NEMPS): 1MW + storage >10kW and 150% of NEM system size
• NEM Multiple Tariff (NEMMT): 1MW + storage >10kW and >150% of NEM system size OR a combination of generating technologies with different tariff treatment
• Non-Export: Generating facilities configured to not export power to the PG&E system

Safety and Standards

Generating facilities must meet all applicable safety and performance standards including, but not limited to PG&E Electric & Gas Service Requirements, and local codes and regulations.

Smart Inverters

In order to comply with Rule 21, Smart Inverters must have activated the Frequency Watt and Volt Watt modes (Smart Inverter Function 5 and 6, respectively). Applications submitted on or after February 22, 2019 will be required to comply with this Smart Inverter Phase III Function 5 & 6 functionality, pursuant to California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Resolution E-4898, and as further clarified by the July 11, 2018 and January 2, 2019, letters from the CPUC.

ICA Mapping and Smart Inverter Table for Non-Default Settings

As of September 26, 2022, PG&E updated our online interconnection application portal, Your Projects, in compliance with CPUC Decision D-20-09-035 and Resolution E-5172 to add fields such as a customer's legal status and state of incorporation, a check of the Integration Capacity Analysis-(ICA) map during the application process, and power factor, volt-var, and volt-watt information.

Important Notice

Beginning June 22, 2020, all applicants with inverter-based technologies submitting new interconnection requests under PG&E's Rule 21 tariff will be required to comply with additional Smart Inverter functions per Rule 21, Section Hh. Additional Functions effective June 22, 2020 include Phase II (Communications), Phase III (Advanced Functions 1, 2, 3 and 8). These are in addition to the existing Phase I (Autonomous) and Phase III (Advanced Functions 5 and 6) requirements. The equipment list on this interconnection portal will be updated to only reflect currently compliant inverters, as listed on the California Energy Commission (CEC) website located here. If you believe that your inverter should be on this list, please work directly with the CEC to have it added. Applications submitted to replace existing inverters may not be subject to this requirement, consistent with Rule 21 Section H.3.d.ii (unless further guidance is received from the CPUC on replacements.) Please note that PG&E reserves the right to inspect or assess your generating facility to ascertain compliance with these requirements. Non-compliant generating facilities may be removed from net energy metering, approval to operate (PTO) may be revoked, and/or other actions undertaken as necessary to ensure the generating facility is compliant.

Please find additional information here.

PG&E is conducting accelerated safety inspections of electric infrastructure. This includes upgrading and strengthening our electric system in the highest fire-risk areas. To learn more about our ongoing and expanded efforts, visit pge.com/wildfiresafety. As a result, interconnection projects requiring design, construction, or inspection through Service Planning may experience delays. Please contact the Electric Grid Interconnection (EGI) lead assigned to your project if you have additional questions.

Customers who were previously taking service on a NEM Tariff (NEM 1 or NEM 2) but were impacted by a Natural or Human-Made Disaster (as defined in the Special Condition 10 of the NEM Tariff) must reapply here. Please review the attached document for a step-by-step guide of how to reapply.

For more information on applicable rooftop solar time-of-use rates, please visit www.pge.com/restimeofuse. If you are planning to enroll in an EV rate plan, please wait for approval to operate your renewable generator, then apply for an EV rate by logging in at www.pge.com/myrate.

• Customers applying to interconnect a NEM2 project less than or equal to 1MW will be required to pay an application processing fee of $145.
• NEM2 projects that are participating in the Single-family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) program are exempt from the application processing fee.
• Customers applying to interconnect a NEM2 project over 1MW will be required to pay for all interconnection study costs, including an $800 Interconnection Request fee per Rule 21 Section E.2.c.

After you submit your application, a PG&E representative will contact you to discuss the next steps.

In accordance with PG&E's Rule 21 generator interconnection procedures, PG&E will open a Distribution Group Study (DGS) Application Window within the following schedule:

-	Opening Date	Closing Date
DGS Cluster	March 01	March 31
	September 01	September 31

What's New

These changes will affect how customers qualify for NEM 2 eligibility through Retail SNEM.

YourProjects Portal will manually validate the Service Agreement (SAID) and Meter Number (Badge #) through CC&B and find if there is an active Load Number to qualify the customer's application for NEM 2 eligibility.

Note:Billing reference numbers will always require manual validation and are subject to defects.

Suppose YourProjects Portal cannot validate a ZNE/New Construction Load application number. In that case, we will still allow the customer to manually enter a Load or Billing reference number, depending on their chosen drop-down. NEM 2 is now subject to manual review to qualify for NEM 2 eligibility.

The critical thing you need to know

NBT Tier 2 Release: Changes to the Additional Facility Info Section through YourProjects Portal.

• Updated text under Project Info to Additional Facility Info
  • Renamed this Field on the Portal Form Section
• Did an application for new/permanent service or billing issues exist before 4/15/23? to Does this project qualify for NEM2 consideration?
  • Renamed this Field on the Portal Form Section
• Yes and No will remain radio buttons.
  • Billing Reference Number and Load Application Number for Permanent Service will now be a drop-down list with the following values and a text box for input.
• Updated help text for this field
  "Improperly selecting this option will require this Interconnection Request to be withdrawn and resubmitted. Please provide a corresponding application or reference number below to verify the NEM 2 eligibility."

YourProjects Portal Validates a Load Application Number; no further validation is needed:

YourProjects Portal Changes: Additional Facility Info:

If our portal cannot validate the Load App Number for Permanent Service:

Billing Reference Number will also require the customer to enter a 10-digit number to validate:

When a manual review is required, the customer will see this message:

You can validate your NEM Tariff Type at Review and Submit Summary (11) before submitting application:

Key discussion points

• Based on the Service Agreement (SAD) and Meter Number (Badge #) entered by the customer, the portal will retrieve the Load Notification Number from our internal system.
• Portal to send this Load Notification Number internally to give NEM 2 Eligibility Validation. It will be stored and displayed in the system for EGI to validate.
• If unable to validate the service planning load number, a message will appear and allow manual entry.

Note: Definition of valid status: excludes Canceled, excludes Temp Service, excludes if Commodity is only Gas, confirms Service Point has Electric Service Point created after 12/31/22. Placing restricted dates on ZNE/New Construction applications.