Despite the astoundIng increase of grid-connected solar from 2005 to 2013, U.S. utilities and developers still face interconnection challenges. With proper planning, however, and using integrated distribution planning (IDP), states can overcome major interconnection challenges, including closed circuits, that are hindering the integration of renewables.
integrated distribution planning 
Want to Prevent Interconnection Gridlock? Make a Plan!
Virginia seeks public comment on Energy Plan
Source: IREC The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals & Energy is currently seeking public input regarding the development of the 2014 Virginia Energy Plan, which must be submitted to the General Assembly by 10/1/2014. DMME is currently collecting public input…
HI PUC Order Action Plans to Achieve State’s Energy Goals
Source: Hawaii PUC The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced four major decisions and orders today that collectively provide key policy, resource planning, and operational directives to the Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO Companies). The orders require the HECO Companies to…
Xcel Energy sets wind power record in MN
Source: PostBulletin.com Xcel Energy issued a press release Wednesday declaring that it had achieved a milestone when 46 percent of customers’ electricity needs in the Upper Midwest were met by wind energy at 3 a.m. Sunday. That’s an all-time high…
Integrated Distribution Planning: a path to sustaining growth
For years, the cumulative amount of distributed generation (DG) on the grid was akin to a drop of water in a glass. That is, a tiny drop in a big glass. But look how far we’ve come in the past…