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Grid Integration

Accelerating DER Interconnection Through Proactive Hosting Capacity Planning

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM PDT
Location: Titian 2305, Level 2, The Venetian
Solar

Learning Level: 201: Applies to those with some experience who are looking to build on or enhance existing knowledge.
Solar, storage, electrification, and other DERs are growing, and current interconnection strategies are unable to keep pace. Proactive hosting capacity planning represents one significant pathway to reducing the time and cost of interconnection. This planning framework moves away from the “one application at a time” process and allows utilities to forecast anticipated DER growth and hosting capacity constraints, and to invest in the necessary upgrades before DER customers request interconnection. This session will provide an overview of the various proactive hosting capacity planning frameworks states across the U.S. are considering or adopting and will recommend best practices that stakeholders can adopt in their jurisdictions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore the challenges and inefficiencies associated with the traditional "one application at a time" interconnection process and its impact on time and cost.
  • Gain insights into the concept of forecasting anticipated DER growth and hosting capacity constraints, allowing utilities to invest in necessary upgrades before DER customers request interconnection.
  • Explore the proactive hosting capacity planning frameworks being considered or adopted by states across the U.S.

    Moderator(s)

  • Radina Valova, J.D., LL.M. (she/her/hers)

    Regulatory Vice President
    Interstate Renewable Energy Council
    Latham, New York, United States

    • Panelist(s)

  • Erin Ankeney (she/her/hers)

    Director, Interconnection
    Freedom Forever
    Henderson, Nevada, United States

  • Dave Gahl

    Executive Director
    Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2)
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

  • Samantha Weaver

    Director of Interconnection and Grid Integration Policy
    Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA)
    Seattle, Washington, United States

  • Lara Aston

    Renewables Integration Team Lead
    Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
    Sequim, Washington, United States