Rebates

Hawaii has established simplified interconnection rules for small renewables and separate rules for all other distributed generation (DG). For inverter-based systems up to 10 kilowatts (kW) in capacity, there is a simple application process for interconnection. Systems must meet all applicable performance and safety standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Underwriters Laboratories, National Electric Code, and where applicable, public utilities commission rules.  For other smaller systems, there are simplified interconnection procedures for net metered systems powered by solar, wind, biomass and hydroelectric up to 50 kW. 

History

Two dockets were opened in 2006 to streamline interconnection procedures

Massachusetts' interconnection standards apply to all forms of distributed generation (DG), including renewables, and all customers of the state's three investor-owned utilities (Unitil, Eversource, and National Grid).

Massachusetts requires investor-owned utilities to have standard interconnection tariffs. There are three basic paths for interconnection in the state:

• The Simplified interconnection process applies to IEEE 1547.1-certified, inverter-based facilities with: 
1. A power rating of 15 kW or less for single-phase systems located on a radial distribution circuit, 
2. A power rating of 25 kW or less for three-phase systems located on a radial distribution circuit (where the aggregated facility capacity is less than 15% of

Idaho does not have a statewide net-metering policy. However, each of the state's three investor-owned utilities -- Avista Utilities, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power -- has a net-metering tariff on file with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The framework of the utilities' net-metering programs is similar, in that each utility's original program: (1) offers net metering to customers that generate electricity using solar, wind, hydropower, biomass or fuel cells; (2) limits net metering to 0.1% of its retail peak demand in a baseline year (2002 for Rocky Mountain Power); (3) limits residential systems to 25 kilowatts; and (4)

New electricity generating facilities built in Montana with a capacity of up to one megawatt (MW) that use an alternative renewable energy source are exempt from property taxes for five years after operation begins. The taxable value of the property varies depending on the property ownership and class. The assessed value of personal property is adjusted yearly based on a trend factor that reflects the relevant rate of inflation and on the Montana Department of Revenue’s depreciation schedule. State property tax exemption forms are available at the Department of Revenue’s county office.

"Alternative renewable energy source" includes energy sources such

Note: Wisconsin has adopted revised interconnection rules, effective May 1, 2024. The revised rules adopt the most recent equipment standards for DG systems and inverters (IEEE Std. 1547 and UL 1741). Energy storage systems are required to be UL 9540-listed.

In February 2004, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission adopted interconnection standards for distributed generation (DG) systems up to 15 megawatts (MW) in capacity. All investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and municipal utilities are required to abide by the standard provisions. Electric cooperatives are encouraged -- but not required -- to adopt the state standards. The rules categorize DG systems by capacity and

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) adopted updated interconnection standards in June 2019. The standards are modeled after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Small Generator Interconnection Process and apply to systems up to 10 MW in capacity. 

The MPUC standards, like the FERC standards, use a three-tiered approach to simplify the interconnection process:

• Inverter Process: Systems up to 20 kilowatts (kW) 
• Fast Track Process: Systems larger than 20 kW that meet the eligibility criteria in the table below 
• Study Process: Systems that fail to qualify for the Fast Track Process

The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) adopted rules for utilities in May 2010 for the interconnection of distributed generation facilities in Iowa. The interconnection rules were most recently updated in 2017.

Rate-Regulated Utilities

Rate-regulated utilities include the state's two investor-owned utilities, MidAmerican Energy and Interstate Power and Light (IPL), and Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative, which opted to have the IUB set its rates. The rates of municipal utilities and other rural electric cooperatives are not regulated by the IUB.

Process

Interconnection standards for rate-regulated utilities apply to distributed generation facilities of up to 10 megawatts (MW)* that are not subject

Note: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development issues periodic Notices of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) in the Federal Register.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities, use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption, and participate in energy audits and renewable energy development assistance.

Renewable energy projects for the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program include wind, solar

Residential and Commercial Green Power Purchasing

Maine Green Power allows Maine electric customers to choose clean, local renewable energy for their home or business. When you sign up, you will see an additional line item charge on your monthly utility bill for participating in Maine Green Power. The Maine Green Power Program matches the purchase amount with Renewable Energy Certificates, or RECs, that are produced in Maine. For more information, or to enroll, visit here.

Government Green Power Purchasing

In 2003, Maine's governor established a goal for the state government to buy at least 50% of its electricity from

The City Council of Austin, Texas, first adopted a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) in 1999 (Resolution No. 990211-36). The RPS was subsequently amended several times, with the current RPS goal—65% renewables by 2027—among the most ambitious in the nation. In 2019, the city's Climate Equity Plan established a goal of net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Eligible Technologies

Renewable resources include those that rely on energy derived directly from the sun, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, wave or tidal energy, or biomass or biomass-based waste products, including landfill gas.

Goals and Requirements

The RPS for Austin Energy (the City of Austin’s