New Mexico
Register / Volume XXXIV, Issue 3 / February 14, 2023
APPENDIX 1A
Simplified Interconnection Application Certified Inverter-Based
Generating Facilities
With an Export Capacity up to and including 25 kW AC
and a Nameplate Rating not exceeding 50 kW
This Application
is considered complete when it provides all applicable and correct information
required below. Additional information to evaluate the Application may be required.
Processing Fee
A fee of
$150 must accompany this Application.
Interconnection Customer Name:
Contact Person:
Address:
City:
State: Zip:
Telephone
(Day): (Evening):
Fax: E-Mail Address: Engineering Firm
(If Applicable):
Contact Person:
Address:
City:
State: Zip:
Telephone:
Fax:
E-Mail Address:
Contact (if different from
Interconnection Customer) Name:
Address:
City:
State: Zip:
Telephone (Day): (Evening): Fax: E-Mail Address:
Owner
of the facility (include % ownership by any electric utility):
Generating Facility Information:
Location (if different from above):
Electric
Service Company:
Account Number:
Inverter
Information:
Inverter Manufacturer: Model Nameplate
Rating: (kW) (kVA) (AC Volts)
Export Capacity
Value (in kW) (if Export Capacity is less than Nameplate Rating, denote export
controls below):
_____________________
Single Phase Three
Phase
Prime Mover: Photovoltaic,
Reciprocating Engine, Fuel Cell, Turbine, Storage Batteries, Other (describe) Energy Source: Solar, Wind,
Hydro, Diesel, Natural Gas, Fuel Oil, Other
(describe)
Is
the equipment UL1741 Listed? Yes
No
If Yes,
attach manufacturer’s cut-sheet showing UL1741
listing
Estimated Installation Date: Estimated In-Service
Date:
Limited Export and Non-Export Controls
Information
Manufacturer: |
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Model Number: |
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Limited Export or Non-Export? |
Limited Export |
Non-Export |
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Control Type: |
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Reverse Power Protection |
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Minimum Power Protection |
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Relative Distributed
Energy Resource Rating |
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Configured Power Rating |
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Power Control System |
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Export Control using
mutually agreed-upon means |
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Directional Power
Protection |
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Control Power Setting: |
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Control Power Time Delay (if any): |
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Power Control System Open-Loop Response Time: Maximum
____________ Average ___________
When grid-connected, will the PCS employ any of the
following? [Select all that apply]
c Unrestricted mode
c Export only mode
c Import only mode
c No exchange mode
c Export-limiting from all
sources
c Export limiting from ESS
c Import limiting to ESS
Battery
Storage Facility Information (If Applicable)
Do the batteries share an
inverter with a renewable energy system? |
☐ Yes |
☐ No |
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Does the
applicant intend to have the batteries charged by the distribution grid? |
☐ Yes |
☐ No |
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System Manufacturer: |
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Model: |
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Battery System Charge/Discharge Rating (kW AC): |
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Maximum Battery System Charge/Discharge Rate (kW AC per
second): |
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Battery Energy Capacity (kWh): |
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Battery
Operational Information
Backup
– allows for partial or whole home transition to off-grid during a grid
outage ☐ Yes ☐ No
Solar
Self-Powered – the battery will charge from the renewable energy source during
normal operation and discharge to serve loads behind your meter ☐ Yes ☐ No
Solar
Non-Export – limits the export of energy to the grid to zero for both the
battery and solar inverter, even if the battery system is fully charged and
there is excess renewable source energy ☐ Yes ☐ No
Time-Based
Control (sometimes called time-of-use or TOU mode) – the battery charges during
off-peak hours and discharges to serve onsite loads during on-peak hours. ☐ Yes ☐ No
Describe any other intended
operation of the battery: |
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Reference Point of Applicability (RPA) Designation
Where is the desired RPA
location? [Check one]
c Point of DER connection
(PoC)
c Point of interconnection /
point of common coupling (PCC)
c Another point between PoC
and PCC
c Different RPAs for
different DER units
Is the RPA location the
same as above for detection of abnormal voltage, faults and open-phase
conditions?
c Yes
c No (detection location must
be denoted in the one-line diagram)
Why does this DER fit the chosen
RPA? [Check all that apply]
c Zero-sequence continuity
between PCC and PoC is maintained
c The DER aggregate Nameplate
Rating is less than 500 kVA
c Annual average load demand is greater than 10%
of the aggregate DER Nameplate Rating, and it is not capable of, or is
prevented from, exporting more than 500 kVA for longer than 30 seconds.
General
Information
Enclose
copy of site electrical one-line diagram showing the configuration of all
Generating Facility equipment, Reference Point of Applicability, current and
potential circuits, and protection and control schemes.
Enclose
copy of any site documentation that indicates the precise physical location of
the proposed Generating Facility (e.g., USGS topographic map or other diagram
or documentation).
Enclose
a copy of specification sheets for all applicable interface and control
equipment, e.g., inverters, energy storage system, gateway, plant controller,
automatic transfer switch and power control system. Are specification sheets
enclosed?
Yes No
List
components of the Generating Facility equipment package that are currently
certified:
Equipment Type Certifying
Entity 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Interconnection
Customer Signature
I hereby
certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information provided in this
Application is true. I agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions for
Interconnecting an Inverter-Based Generating Facility with a nameplate rating
that does not exceed 50 kilowatts (kW) and an export capacity that does not
exceed 25 kilowatts (kW) and return the
notice of completion when the Generating Facility has been installed.
Signed: Title: Date:
Utility Signature
The
undersigned Utility agrees to abide by the Terms and Conditions and that
optional paragraph 6.0 Indemnification ˙ applies ˙ does not apply.
Signed:
Title:
Date:
Standard Interconnection Application
A Customer-Generator applicant (“Applicant”) hereby
makes
application to
(Utility)
to install and operate a generating facility interconnected with the utility system.
Written
applications should be submitted by mail, e-mail or fax to [insert utility
name], as follows:
[Utility]: [Utility’s address]: Fax Number:
E-Mail Address: [Utility] Contact Name: [Utility] Contact Title:
An application
is a Complete Application when it provides all applicable information required
below. (Additional information to evaluate a request for interconnection may be
required and will be so requested from the Interconnection Applicant by Utility
after the application is deemed complete).
SECTION
1. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Legal Name of Interconnecting Applicant (or, if an
Individual, Individual’s Name) Name: Mailing Address: City: ; State: ; Zip Code: Facility Location (if different from above):
Telephone (Daytime):
Telephone (Evening):
Fax Number:
E-Mail Address:
Utility
(Existing Account Number, if generator to be interconnected
on the
Customer side of a utility revenue meter)
Type of Interconnect Service
Applied for (choose
one): Network Resource,
Energy Only, Load Response (no
export) Net metering
SECTION
2. GENERATOR QUALIFICATIONS
Data apply
only to the Generating Facility, not the Interconnection Facilities.
Energy
Source:
Ł Solar
Ł Wind
Ł Hydro
Ł Hydro type (e.g. Run-of-River)
Ł Diesel
Ł Natural Gas
Ł Fuel Oil
Ł Other (state type);________________________
Prime Mover:
Ł Fuel Cell
Ł Recip Engine
Ł Gas Turbine
Ł Steam Turbine
Ł MicroTurbine
Ł PV
Ł Storage Batteries
Ł Other (state type);_________________________
Type of Generator: Synchronous Induction Inverter
Generator
Nameplate
Rating: kW (Typical);
Generator Nameplate kVA:
Number
of Units:______
Total
Export Capacity: _______ kW __ kVA ___
Interconnection
Customer or Customer-Site Load: kW
(if none, so state)
Typical
Reactive Load (if known):
List
components of the Generating Facility Equipment Package that are currently
certified:
Equipment Type Certifying Entity
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Is the
prime mover compatible with the certified protective relay package?
Yes No
Generator
(or energy storage or solar collector) Manufacturer, Model Name & Number:
Version Number:
Nameplate
Output Power Rating in kW:
(Summer) ; (Winter) Nameplate Output Power Rating in kVA:
(Summer) ; (Winter)
Individual Generator Power Factor
Rated Power Factor: Leading: Lagging:
Total Number of Generators to be interconnected
pursuant to this Interconnection Application: ; Elevation: ; Single phase; Three phase
Inverter Manufacturer, Model Name & Number (if used):
List of adjustable set points for the protective equipment or software:
Note: A completed
Power Systems Load Flow data sheet must be supplied
with the
Interconnection
Application.
Generating
Facility Characteristic Data (for inverter-based machines):
Max
design fault contribution current: Instantaneous
or RMS? Harmonics Characteristics:
Start-up requirements:
Generating
Facility Characteristic Data (for rotating machines):
RPM Frequency:
(*)
Neutral Grounding Resistor (If Applicable):
Synchronous Generators:
Direct Axis Synchronous Reactance, Xd: P.U. Direct Axis Transient Reactance, X’ d: P.U.
Direct Axis Subtransient Reactance, X” d: P.U. Negative
Sequence Reactance, X2: P.U.
Zero Sequence Reactance, X0: P.U. KVA Base:
Field Volts: Field Amperes:
Induction
Generators:
Motoring Power (kW):
I2t or K (Heating Time Constant): Rotor Resistance, Rr:
Stator Resistance,
Rs: Stator Reactance,
Xs: Rotor Reactance, Xr:
Magnetizing Reactance, Xm: Short Circuit Reactance, Xd”: Exciting Current:
Temperature
Rise:
Frame Size:
Design Letter:
Reactive Power Required In Vars (No Load): Reactive Power Required In Vars (Full Load):
Total Rotating Inertia, H: Per
Unit on kVA Base
Note:
Please contact the Utility prior to submitting the Interconnection Application
to determine if the specified information above is required.
Excitation
and Governor System Data for Synchronous Generators Only:
Provide
appropriate IEEE model block diagram of excitation system, governor system and
power system stabilizer (PSS) in accordance with the regional reliability
council criteria. A PSS may be determined to be required by applicable studies.
A copy of the manufacturer’s block diagram may not be substituted.
SECTION
3. INTERCONNECTION FACILITIES
INFORMATION
Will a transformer be used between
the generator and the Point of Common Coupling?
Yes No
Transformer Data (If
Applicable, for Interconnection Customer-Owned Transformer): Is the transformer: single phase three phase? Size: kVA Transformer Impedance: percent
on kVA Base
If Three Phase:
Transformer Primary: Volts Delta Wye Wye Grounded Transformer Secondary: Volts Delta Wye Wye
Grounded Transformer Tertiary: Volts Delta Wye Wye Grounded
Transformer
Fuse Data (If Applicable, for Interconnection Customer-Owned Fuse): (Attach copy of fuse manufacturer’s Minimum Melt and
Total Clearing Time-Current Curves)
Manufacturer:
Speed:
Type:
Size:
Interconnecting
Circuit Breaker (if applicable):
Manufacturer: Type:
Load Rating (Amps): (Cycles):
Interrupting Rating (Amps):
Trip Speed
Interconnection
Protective Relays (If Applicable):
If Microprocessor-Controlled:
List of Functions and Adjustable Setpoints for the
protective equipment or software: Setpoint Function Minimum Maximum
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
If
Discrete Components:
(Enclose Copy of any Proposed Time-Overcurrent
Coordination Curves) Manufacturer: Type: Style/Catalog No.: Proposed Setting:
Manufacturer: |
Type: |
Style/Catalog No.: |
Proposed Setting: |
Manufacturer: |
Type: |
Style/Catalog No.: |
Proposed Setting: |
Manufacturer: |
Type: |
Style/Catalog No.: |
Proposed Setting: |
Manufacturer: |
Type: |
Style/Catalog No.: |
Proposed Setting: |
Current
Transformer Data (If Applicable):
(Enclose Copy
of Manufacturer’s Excitation and Ratio Correction Curves) Manufacturer:
Type:
Accuracy Class: Proposed Ratio
Connection: Manufacturer:
Type:
Accuracy Class: Proposed Ratio Connection:
Potential
Transformer Data (If Applicable):
Manufacturer:
Type:
Accuracy Class: Proposed Ratio
Connection: Manufacturer:
Type:
Accuracy Class: Proposed Ratio Connection:
Limited Export and Non-Export Controls
Information
Manufacturer: |
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Model Number: |
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Limited Export or Non-Export? |
Limited Export |
Non-Export |
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Control Type: |
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Reverse Power Protection |
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Minimum Power Protection |
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Relative Distributed
Energy Resource Rating |
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Configured Power Rating |
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Power Control System |
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Export Control using
mutually agreed-upon means |
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Directional Power
Protection |
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Control Power Setting: |
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Control Power Time Delay (if any): |
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Power Control System Open-Loop Response Time: Maximum ____________
Average ___________
_____________
When grid-connected, will the PCS employ any of the
following? [Select all that apply]
c Unrestricted mode
c Export only mode
c Import only mode
c No exchange mode
c Export-limiting from all
sources
c Export limiting from ESS
c Import limiting to ESS
Battery
Storage Facility Information (If Applicable)
Do the batteries share an
inverter with a renewable energy system? |
☐ Yes |
☐ No |
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Does the
applicant intend to have the batteries charged by the distribution grid? |
☐ Yes |
☐ No |
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System Manufacturer: |
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Model: |
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Battery System Charge/Discharge Rating (kW AC): |
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Maximum Battery System Charge/Discharge Rate (kW AC per
second): |
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Battery Energy Capacity (kWh): |
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Battery
Operational Information
Backup
– allows for partial or whole home transition to off-grid during a grid
outage ☐ Yes ☐ No
Solar
Self-Powered – the battery will charge from the renewable energy source during
normal operation and discharge to serve loads behind your meter ☐ Yes ☐ No
Solar
Non-Export – limits the export of energy to the grid to zero for both the
battery and solar inverter, even if the battery system is fully charged and
there is excess renewable source energy ☐ Yes ☐ No
Time-Based
Control (sometimes called time-of-use or TOU mode) – the battery charges during
off-peak hours and discharges to serve onsite loads during on-peak hours. ☐ Yes ☐ No
Describe any other intended
operation of the battery: |
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Reference Point of Applicability (RPA) Designation
Where is the desired RPA
location? [Check one]
c Point of DER connection
(PoC)
c Point of interconnection /
point of common coupling (PCC)
c Another point between PoC
and PCC
c Different RPAs for
different DER units
Is the RPA location the
same as above for detection of abnormal voltage, faults and open-phase
conditions?
c Yes
c No (detection location must
be denoted in the one-line diagram)
Why does this DER fit the
chosen RPA? [Check all that apply]
c Zero-sequence continuity
between PCC and PoC is maintained
c The DER aggregate Nameplate
Rating is less than 500 kVA
c Annual average load demand
is greater than 10% of the aggregate DER Nameplate Rating, and it is not
capable of, or is prevented from, exporting more than 500 kVA for longer than
30 seconds.
SECTION
4. GENERAL INFORMATION
Enclose
copy of site electrical one-line diagram showing the configuration of all
Generating Facility equipment, Reference Point of Applicability, current and
potential circuits, and protection and control schemes.
This
one-line diagram must be signed and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer
if the Generating Facility is larger than 50 kW. Is One-Line Diagram Enclosed?
Yes No
Enclose
copy of any site documentation that indicates the precise physical location of
the proposed Generating Facility (e.g., USGS topographic map or other diagram
or documentation).
Proposed location of protective interface equipment on
property (include address if different from the Interconnection Customer’s address)
Enclose
copy of any site documentation that describes and details the operation of the
protection and control schemes. Is Available Documentation Enclosed?
Yes No
Enclose
copies of schematic drawings for all protection and control circuits, relay
current circuits, relay potential circuits, and alarm/monitoring circuits (if
applicable). Are Schematic Drawings Enclosed?
Yes No
Enclose
a copy of specification sheets for all applicable interface and control
equipment, e.g., inverters, energy storage system, gateway, plant controller,
automatic transfer switch and power control system.
Are
specification sheets enclosed?
Yes No
SECTION
5. APPLICANT SIGNATURE
I
hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, all the information provided
in the Interconnection Application is true and correct. I also agree to install
a Warning Label provided by (utility) on or near my service meter location.
Generating systems must be compliant with IEEE, NEC, ANSI, and UL standards,
where applicable. By signing below, the Applicant also certifies that
the installed generating equipment meets the appropriate preceding
requirement(s) and can supply documentation that confirms compliance.
Signature of Applicant: Date:
SECTION
6. INFORMATION
REQUIRED PRIOR TO PHYSICAL INTERCONNECTION
(Not required as part of the application, unless available
at time of application.) Installing
Electrician: Firm:
License No.:
Mailing Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Telephone: Installation
Date:
Interconnection
Date:
Signed (Inspector –
if required): Date:
(In lieu
of signature of Inspector, a copy of the final inspection certificate may be
attached)
Interconnection Agreement
This Generating Facility
Interconnection Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by
and between (“Utility”) and
(“Interconnection Customer”). The Interconnection Customer and the Utility are
sometimes referred to in this Agreement jointly as “Parties” or individually as
a “Party”.
In
consideration of the mutual promises and obligations stated in this Agreement
and its appendices, the Parties agree as follows:
A)
This Agreement is
intended to provide for the Interconnection Customer to interconnect and
operate the Generating Facility in parallel with the Utility’s System. Appendix
A provides a one-line diagram of the Generating Facility and the Point of
Common Coupling. Appendix B provides a description of the Generating Facility and its location.
B)
This Agreement
contains the terms and conditions under which the Interconnection Customer may
interconnect the Generating Facility to the Utility. This Agreement does not
authorize the Interconnection Customer to export power or constitute an
agreement to purchased or wheel the Interconnection Customer’s power. Other
services that the Interconnection Customer may require from the Utility, or others, may be
covered under separate agreements.
C) This Agreement allows for the occasional and
inadvertent export of energy to the Utility, though it does not constitute an
agreement by the Utility to purchase or pay for any energy,
inadvertently or intentionally exported.
D)
This Agreement
does not constitute a request for, nor the provision of any transmission delivery
service or any local distribution delivery service.
E)
The technical
requirements for interconnection are provided in New Mexico Administrative Code
17.9.568 and are incorporated and made part of this Agreement by this reference.
“Agreement” means this
Generating Facility Interconnection Agreement and its appendices.
“Business Day” means Monday
through Friday, excluding holidays observed by the Utility.
“Commission”
means the New Mexico Public
Regulation Commission.
“Generating Facility” means
the Interconnection Customer's device for the production of electricity
identified in the Interconnection Application, including all generators,
electrical wires, equipment, and other facilities owned or provided by the
Interconnection Customer for the purpose of producing electric power.
“Generator” means
any device producing electrical energy, including rotating generators driven by
wind, steam turbines, internal combustion engines, hydraulic turbines, solar
panels, fuel cells, or any other electric producing device, including energy
storage technologies.
“Interconnection Application” means the request by an Interconnection Customer to
interconnect a new Generating Facility, or to increase the capacity or make a
material modification to the operating characteristics of an existing
Generating Facility that is interconnected with the Utility’s System.
“Interconnection Customer” is the person or entity so defined in the first
paragraph of this Agreement.
“Interconnection Facilities” means the Utility's Interconnection Facilities and the
Interconnection Customer's Interconnection Facilities. Collectively,
Interconnection Facilities include all facilities and equipment between the
Generating Facility and the Point of Common Coupling, including any
modification, additions or upgrades that are necessary to physically and
electrically interconnect the Generating Facility to the Utility's System.
Interconnection Facilities are sole use facilities and shall not include
Distribution Upgrades.
“Nameplate
rating”
means the sum total of maximum rated power output of a DER’s constituent
generating units and/or ESS, as identified on the manufacturer’s nameplate,
regardless of whether it is limited by any approved means.
“Point of
Common Coupling” means the point
where the Interconnection Facilities connect with the Utility's System.
“System” means
the facilities owned, controlled, or operated by the Utility that are used to
provide electric service under a Utility’s tariff.
“System Emergency” means a condition on the Utility's System that is likely to result in
imminent significant disruption of service to customers or is imminently likely
to endanger life or property.
“Upgrade” means
the required additions and modifications to the Utility's System at or beyond
the Point of Common Coupling. Upgrades do not include Interconnection
Facilities.
“Utility”
is the entity so defined in the first
paragraph of this Agreement.
A)
A single-line
diagram of the Generating Facility is attached to and made part of this
Agreement as Appendix A. The single line diagram shows the general arrangement
of how the Generating Facility is interconnected with the Utility’s System and
shows all major equipment, including visual isolation equipment, Point of Common Coupling,
ownership of equipment and meter location(s).
B)
A description of
the Generating Facility is attached to and made a part of this Agreement as
Appendix B. Appendix B is standard form that provides the engineering and
operating information about the Generating Facility, including the Generating
Facility’s Nameplate Rating, Export Capacity and scheduled operational
(on-line) date.
A) The Parties shall perform all obligations of this
Agreement in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
B) The Interconnection Customer shall design, construct,
operate and maintain the Generating Facility in accordance with the equipment
manufacturers’ recommended maintenance schedules, and applicable laws and regulations, including
local building codes and other applicable ordinances.
C) Interconnection of the Generating Facility in no way
effects the Utility’s obligation to serve the Utility’s customer at whose
location the Generating Facility is sited pursuant to the tariffs applicable to
the customer’s class of service.
D) The cost of utility system modifications required
pursuant to the Fast Track process or the full
interconnection study process shall be borne by the interconnection customer
unless otherwise agreed to by the parties or following a determination by the
commission that some or all of the costs constitute system benefits eligible
for cost-sharing options as described in Rule 17.9.568.15.
E) The Interconnection Customer shall grant to the
Utility, at no expense to the Utility, all easements and rights-of-way
necessary for the Utility to install, operate, maintain, replace, and remove
the Utility’s Interconnection Facilities and Upgrades, including, but not
limited to, adequate and continuous access rights to property owned or
controlled by the Interconnection Customer. If any part of the Interconnection
Facilities or Upgrades is to be installed on property owned by any person who
is not a party to this Agreement, the Interconnection Customer shall, at no
expense to the Utility, obtain from the owner of the property all such
necessary easements and rights-of-way for the Utility. The Utility has no
obligation to commence procurement, installation or construction of the
Utility’s Interconnection Facilities or Upgrades until the Interconnection
Customer has provided all documents the Utility deems necessary to enable the
Utility to obtain and record such easements and rights-of-way.
F)
Upgrades:
a)
The Utility shall
design, construct, operate and maintain the Upgrades outlined in Appendix C in a good and workmanlike manner, and in
accordance
with standard design and engineering practices, and applicable laws and
regulations, including local building codes and other applicable ordinances.
b)
Once installed,
the Upgrades shall be owned and operated by the Utility and all costs
associated with the operating and maintenance of the Upgrades, after the
Generating Facility is operational, shall be the responsibility of the Utility,
unless otherwise agreed.
c) The Interconnection Customer grants permission for the
Utility to begin construction and to procure the necessary facilities and
equipment to complete the installation of the Upgrades, as outlined in Appendix
C. The Interconnection Customer may, for any reason, cancel or modify the
Generating Facility project, so that any or all of the
Upgrades are not required to be installed. If for any reason, the Generating
Facility project is canceled or modified, so that any or all of the Upgrades
are not required, the Interconnection Customer shall be responsible for all
costs incurred by the Utility, including, but not limited to the additional
costs to remove and/or complete the installation of the Upgrades. The
Interconnection Customer shall provide written notice to the Utility of
cancellation or modification. Upon receipt of a cancellation or modification notice,
the Utility shall take reasonable steps to minimize additional costs to the Interconnection Customer, where reasonably possible.
1)
The
Interconnection Customer shall provide for the payment of its obligations under
this Agreement in one of the following ways:
i.
The
Interconnection Customer may pay the Utility the costs identified in Appendix C
at the time the Parties execute this Agreement; or
ii. The Interconnection Customer may pay the Utility in
accordance with Section IV.G(2) if, at the time the Parties execute this
Agreement, the Interconnection Customer provides reasonably adequate assurance
of its creditworthiness to the Utility. Reasonably adequate assurance may be
satisfied by evidence of the Interconnection Customer’s creditworthiness, or a
letter of credit in an amount sufficient to cover the costs identified in
Appendix C, or a guaranty from another entity accompanied by evidence of that
entity’s creditworthiness.
2)
If the Interconnection Customer
provides for assurance of creditworthiness in accordance with Section
IV.G(1)(ii), the Utility will invoice the Interconnection Customer monthly for
all amounts expended and all amounts for which the Utility has become obligated
since the execution of this Agreement or the prior monthly invoice. The
Interconnection Customer will pay each such invoice within 20 days.
A)
This Agreement
becomes effective when the Interconnection Customer and the Utility have both
signed this Agreement. The Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the
earliest date that one of the following events
occurs:
1)
The Parties agree
in writing to terminate the Agreement;
2)
The
Interconnection Customer terminates this Agreement by written notice to the
Utility prior to the completion of the final acceptance testing of the Generating Facility
by the Utility;
3)
The Utility
terminates this Agreement after 30 days written notice to the Interconnection
Customer if the Interconnection Customer has failed to comply with the payment
or creditworthiness terms of Section IV.G and has not taken appropriate
corrective action;
4)
The Utility
terminates this Agreement after three days written notice to the
Interconnection Customer if the Interconnection Customer does not obtain and
deliver the easements and rights-of-way described in Section IV.E to the
Utility within 90 days of the Utility’s request for such easements and rights-of-way;
5)
Once the
Generating Facility is operational, the Interconnection Customer terminates
this Agreement after 30 days written notice to the Utility, unless otherwise agreed;
or,
6)
The Utility
terminates this Agreement after 30 days written notice to the Interconnection
Customer if the Interconnection Customer fails
to:
i.
take all
corrective actions specified in the Utility’s written notice that the
Generating Facility is out of compliance with the terms of this Agreement
within the time frame set forth in such notice, provided that the terms and
timeframes stated by the Utility conform to this Agreement; or
ii. to complete construction of the Generating Facility
within 24 months of the date of this Agreement or as otherwise agreed.
B) Upon termination of this Agreement the Utility may
disconnected the Generating Facility from the Utility’s System. The termination
of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party of its liabilities and
obligations, owed or continuing, at the time of the termination.
A)
Costs: Each Party will, at its own cost and expense,
operate, maintain, repair and inspect, and shall be fully responsible for, the
facilities which it now or hereafter
may own, unless otherwise specified.
B)
Right of
Access: At all times, the Utility’s
personnel shall have access to the disconnect switch of the Generating Facility
for any reasonable purpose in connection with the performance of the
obligations imposed on it by this Agreement, to meet its obligation to operate the
Utility safely and to provide service to its customers. If necessary for the
purposes of this Agreement, the Interconnection Customer shall allow the
Utility access to the Utility’s equipment and facilities
located on the premises.
C) Cooperation and Coordination: Both the Utility and the Interconnection Customer
shall communicate and coordinate their operations, so that the normal operation of the Utility
does not unduly
effect or interfere
with the normal operation of the Generating
Facility and the Generating Facility does not unduly effect or interfere with
the normal operation of the Utility. Under abnormal operations of either the
Generating Facility or the Utility system, the responsible Party shall provide
timely communication to the other Party to allow mitigation of any potentially
negative effects of the abnormal operation of their system.
D) Disconnection of Unit: The Utility may disconnect the Generating Facility as
reasonably necessary for the following reasons: termination of this Agreement;
non-compliance with this Agreement; System Emergency, and routine maintenance,
repairs and modifications to the Utility’s System. When reasonably possible the
Utility shall provide prior notice to the Interconnection Customer explaining
the reason for the disconnection. If prior notice is not reasonably possible
the Utility shall after the fact, provide information to the Interconnection
Customer as to why the disconnection was required. The Utility shall expend reasonable effort to
reconnect the Generating Facility in a timely manner and to mitigate damages
and losses to the Interconnection Customer.
E)
Modifications
to the Generating Facility: The
Interconnection Customer shall notify the Utility in writing of any proposed
modifications to the Generating Facility that could affect the Utility’s
System, providing twenty (20) Business Days notice or
as many days notice as is reasonably possible. The
notice shall provide all information needed by the Utility as part of the
review described in this paragraph. Modifications that could affect the
Utility’s System include any change affecting the Generating Facility’s Rated
Capacity or Export Capacity and any modification of Interconnection Facilities,
which include without limitation: protective systems, generation control
systems, transfer switches/breakers, voltage transformers and current
transformers. When reasonably possible the Interconnection Customer agrees not
to make any material modifications to the Generating Facility until the Utility
has approved the modifications, in writing, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld. The Utility shall not take longer than ten (10) Business
Days to review and respond to the proposed modifications after the receipt of
the information required to review the modifications, and if the Utility fails
to respond within ten (10) Business Days, the modification(s) shall be
considered to be approved by the Utility. When it is not reasonably possible
for the Interconnection Customer to provide prior written notice of modifications,
the Interconnection Customer shall provide written notice to the Utility as
soon as reasonably possible after the modifications have been made.
VII.
Permits
and Approvals: The Interconnection
Customer shall obtain all environmental and other permits lawfully required by
governmental authorities prior to the construction of the Generating Facility.
The Interconnection Customer shall also maintain these applicable permits and
compliance with these permits during the term of this Agreement.
VIII.
INDEMNIFICATION
AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
A)
The
Interconnection Customer shall indemnify and hold harmless the Utility against
all damages, expenses and other obligations to third parties attributable to
the negligence, strict liability or intentional acts of the Interconnection
Customer. The Utility shall indemnify and hold harmless the Interconnection
Customer against all damages, expenses and other obligations to third parties
attributable to the negligence, strict liability or intentional acts of the
Utility. The terms "Utility" and "Interconnection
Customer," for purposes of this indemnification provision, include their
officers, directors, trustees, managers, members, employees,
representatives, affiliates, successors and assigns.
B) Except in the event of acts of willful misconduct,
each Party’s liability to the other Party for failure to perform its
obligations under this Agreement, shall be limited to the amount of direct
damage actually incurred. Neither Party shall be liable to the other Party for
any punitive, incidental, indirect, special, or consequential damages of any
kind whatsoever, including for loss of business opportunity or profits,
regardless of whether such damages were foreseen.
C)
Notwithstanding
any other provision in this Agreement, with respect to Utility’s provision of
electric service to any customer including the Interconnection Customer, the
Utility’s liability to such customer shall be limited as set forth in the
Utility’s tariffs and terms and conditions for electric service, and shall not
be affected by the terms of this Agreement.
A)
Each party agrees
to attempt to resolve all disputes arising hereunder promptly, equitably and in
a good faith manner.
B)
In the event of a
dispute, either party shall provide the other party with a written notice of
dispute. Such notice shall describe in detail the nature of the dispute. The
non-disputing party shall acknowledge the notice within three business days of
its receipt and identify a representative with the authority to make decisions
for the non-disputing party with respect to the dispute.
C)
If the dispute has not been resolved in
eight business days for timeline related disputes or 20 business days for all
other disputes after the receipt of the notice, the parties may, upon mutual
agreement, seek resolution through the assistance of a dispute resolution
service. The dispute resolution service will assist the parties in either
resolving the dispute or in selecting an appropriate dispute resolution venue
(e.g., mediation, settlement judge, early neutral evaluation, or qualified
technical expert(s)) to assist the parties in resolving their dispute. Each
party will be responsible for one-half of any costs paid to neutral third-parties.
D)
For any technical
disputes, both parties shall have a qualified technical representative present
in the attempts to resolve the dispute.
E)
If the dispute
remains unresolved after 30 business days, either party may petition the
commission to handle the dispute as a formal complaint or may exercise whatever
rights and remedies it may have in equity or law.
[This
Section shall either state that “the Interconnection Customer is not required
to maintain insurance unless so ordered by the Commission for good cause upon
the petition of a Utility” or, for Generating Facilities with Rated Capacity
greater than 250 kW, the
Utility may include the following provisions:
A) The Interconnection Customer shall maintain, during
the term of the Agreement, general
liability insurance from a qualified insurance agency with a B+ or better
rating by “Best” and with a combined single limit of not more than one million
dollars ($1,000,000). Such general liability insurance shall include coverage
against claims for damages resulting from (i) bodily injury, including wrongful
death; and (ii) property damage arising out of the Interconnection Customer’s
ownership and/or operation of the Generating Facility under this Agreement.
B) The general liability insurance required by Section
IX.A shall, by endorsement to the policy or policies, (a) include the Utility
as an additional insured; (b) contain a severability of interest clause
or cross-liability clause;
(c) provide that the Utility
shall not by reason of its inclusion as an additional insured incur liability
to the insurance carrier for the payment of premium for such insurance; and (d) provide for thirty (30) calendar
days written notice to the Utility prior to cancellation, termination,
alteration, or material change of such insurance.
C) The Interconnection Customer shall furnish the
insurance certificates and endorsements required by Sections IX.A and IX.B to
the Utility prior to the initial operation of the Generating Facility.
Thereafter, the Utility shall have the
right to periodically inspect or obtain a copy of the original policy or policies of insurance.
D)
The
general liability insurance required by Section IX.A shall state that coverage
provided is primary and is not excess to or contributing with any insurance or self-insurance
maintained by the Utility.
E)
The
Interconnection Customer may elect to self-insure rather than complying with Sections IX.A through IX.D
if:
1)
The Interconnection Customer
provides to the Utility, at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of initial
operation, a plan reasonably acceptable to the Utility to self-insure to a
level of coverage equivalent to that required under Section
IX.A; and,
2)
The Interconnection Customer
agrees to immediately obtain the coverage required under Section IX.A if the
Interconnection Customer fails
to comply with its self-insurance plan.
F)
Failure of
the Interconnection Customer or Utility to enforce the minimum levels of
insurance does not relieve the Interconnection Customer from maintaining such
levels of insurance or relieve the Interconnection Customer of any liability.
G)
All
insurance certificates, statements of self-insurance, endorsements,
cancellations, terminations, alterations, and material changes of such
insurance shall be issued and submitted to the following address:
[Utility]
Attention: Manager of Generation Insurance
]
A) Force Majeure:
Force majeure shall mean any cause beyond the control of the Party affected,
including, but not limited to, failure of or threat of failure of facilities,
flood, earthquake, tornado, storm, fire, lightning, epidemic, war, riot, civil
disturbance or disobedience, [labor dispute, ] labor or material shortage,
sabotage, restraint by court order or public authority, and action or
non-action by or failure to obtain the necessary authorizations or approvals
from any governmental agency or authority, which by exercise of due diligence
such Party could not reasonably have been expected to avoid and which by
exercise of due diligence, it shall be unable to overcome. If either Party,
because of force majeure, is rendered
wholly or partly
unable to perform
its obligations under this
Agreement, except for the obligation to make payments of money, that Party
shall be excused from whatever performance is affected by the force majeure to the extent so
affected, provided that:
1)
the nonperforming
Party, within a reasonable time after the occurrence of the force majeure,
gives the other Party written notice describing the particulars of the occurrence;
2)
the suspension of
performance is of no greater scope and of no longer duration than is required
by the force majeure; and
3)
the nonperforming
Party uses its best efforts to remedy its inability to perform. [This
subparagraph shall not require the settlement of any strike, walkout, lockout
or other labor dispute on terms which, in the sole judgment of the party
involved in the dispute, are contrary to its interest. It is understood and
agreed that the settlement of strikes, walkouts, lockouts or other labor
disputes shall be entirely within the discretion of the Party involved in the disputes.]
B) Notices: Any
written notice, demand, or request required or authorized in connection with
this Agreement shall be deemed properly given if delivered in person, sent by
first class mail with postage prepaid, or sent by electronic mail as specified below:
1)
To the Utility:
Email:
2)
To the
Interconnection Customer:
Email:
2)
A Party may
change its address for notices at any time by providing the other Party written notice
of the change, in accordance with this Section.
3)
The Parties may
also designate operating representatives to conduct the daily communications,
which may be necessary or convenient for the administration of this Agreement.
Such designations, including names, addresses, phone numbers and electronic
mail addresses may be communicated
or revised by one Party’s notice to the other
Party.
C) Assignment:
The Interconnection Customer shall not assign its rights nor delegate its duties under
this Agreement without
the Utility’s written
consent. Any assignment or
delegation the Interconnection Customer makes without the Utility’s written
consent shall not be valid. The Utility shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to the
Generating Entities assignment of this Agreement.
D)
Non-waiver: None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be
considered waived by a Party unless such waiver is given in writing. The
failure of a Party to insist in any one or more instances upon strict
performance of any of the provisions of this Agreement or to take advantage of
any of its rights hereunder shall not be construed as a waiver of any such
provisions or the relinquishment of any such rights for the future, but the
same shall continue and remain in full force and effect.
E) Governing Law and Inclusion of Utility’s Tariffs and Rules:
1)
This Agreement
shall be interpreted, governed and construed under the laws of the State of New
Mexico as if executed and to be performed wholly within the State of New Mexico
without giving effect to choice of law provisions that might apply
to the law of a different jurisdiction.
2)
The
interconnection and services provided under this Agreement shall at all times
be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the tariff schedules and
Commission rules applicable to the electric service provided by the Utility,
which tariff schedules and Commission rules are hereby incorporated into this
Agreement by this reference.
3)
Notwithstanding any
other provisions of this Agreement, the Utility shall have the right to
unilaterally file with the Commission, pursuant to the Commission’s rules and
regulations, an application for change in rates, charges, classification,
service, tariff or rule or any agreement relating thereto.
F) Amendment and Modification: This Agreement can only be amended or modified by a writing
signed by both Parties.
G) Entire Agreement: This Agreement, including its Appendices, constitutes the entire
Agreement between the Parties with regard to the interconnection of the
Generating Facility of the Parties at the Point(s) of Common Coupling expressly
provided for in this Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements or
understandings, whether verbal or written. It is expressly acknowledged that
the Parties may have other agreements covering other services not expressly
provided for herein, which agreements are unaffected by this Agreement. Each
Party also represents that in entering into this Agreement, it has not relied
on the promise, inducement, representation, warranty, agreement or other
statement not set forth in this Agreement or in the incorporated attachments
and appendices.
H) Confidential Information: Except as otherwise agreed or provided herein, each
Party shall hold in confidence and shall not disclose confidential information,
to any person (except employees, officers, representatives and agents, who
agree to be bound by this section). Confidential information shall be clearly
marked as such on each page or otherwise affirmatively identified. If a court,
government agency or entity with the right, power, and authority to do so,
requests or requires either Party, by subpoena, oral disposition,
interrogatories, requests for production of documents, administrative order, or otherwise, to disclose
confidential information, that Party shall provide the other Party with prompt
notice of such request(s) or requirements(s) so that the other Party may seek
an appropriate protective order or waive compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
In the absence of a protective order or waiver the Party shall disclose such
confidential information which, in the opinion of its counsel, the party is
legally compelled to disclose. Each Party will use reasonable efforts to obtain
reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded any confidential information so furnished.
I) Non-warranty:
Neither by inspection, if any, or non-rejection, nor in any other way, does the
Utility give any warranty, expressed or implied, as to the adequacy, safety, or
other characteristics of any structures, equipment, wires, appliances or
devices owned, installed or maintained by the Interconnection Customer or
leased by the Interconnection Customer from third parties, including without
limitation the Generating Facility and any structures, equipment, wires,
appliances or devices appurtenant thereto.
J) No Partnership:
This Agreement shall not be interpreted or construed to create an association,
joint venture, agency relationship, or partnership between the Parties or to
impose any partnership obligation or partnership liability upon either Party.
Neither Party shall have any right, power or authority to enter into any
agreement or undertaking for, or act on behalf of, or to act as or be an agent
or representative of, or to otherwise bind, the other Party.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused two originals of this Agreement
to be executed by their duly authorized representatives. This Agreement is effective as of the last
date set forth below.
Interconnection Customer
By:
Name:
Title:
Date:
Utility
By:
Name:
Title:
Date:
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1575659.2