Introduction
Interconnection is the process of connecting a distributed generation system to the electric grid. Prior to connecting, the distributed generation system owner must obtain written approval from the local utility in the form of an Interconnection Service Agreement and subsequent Authorization to Connect. While emergency generators are not required to follow this process, customers installing emergency generation should contact their utility.
The interconnection process is necessary to protect the reliability and safety of the electric grid. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates this process by requiring utilities to have standardized interconnection tariffs.
DER Interconnection Seminars Calendar
As part of an agreement filed by the DG Working Group in September 2013 utilities host Interconnection Workshops on a monthly basis.
2024 Schedule of Workshops
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 7, 2024 | Eversource East: Simplified |
| March 13, 2024 | Eversource West: Expedited/Standard |
| April 11, 2024 | National Grid: Standard/Complex (Slides) |
| May 3, 2024 | MA-DPU: Solar and DG in Massachusetts (Slides) |
| May 8, 2024 | Eversource East: Expedited/Standard (Slides) |
| June 12, 2024 | Eversource West: Simplified (Slides) |
| July 18, 2024 | National Grid ASO Study Customer Outreach (Slides) |
| August 7, 2024 | National Grid: Simplified (Slides) |
| August 21, 2024 | Eversource West: Expedited/Standard (Slides) |
| September 4, 2024 | Eversource East: Simplified Seminar (Slides) |
| November 14, 2024 | National Grid: Standard/Complex, Register at MA DG Stakeholder Meetings |
| November 20, 2024 | Eversource West: Simplified, Email Elaine.Zimmerman@Eversource.com |
| December 11, 2024 | Eversource East: Expedited/Standard (Slides) & Active Links Addendum (PPT), Email Elaine.Zimmerman@Eversource.com |
2025 Seminar Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 5 | EMA Simplified |
| March 12 | WMA Expedited / Standard |
| May 7 | EMA Expedited / Standard |
| June 11 | WMA Simplified |
| August 20 | WMA Expedited / Standard |
| September 17 | EMA Simplified |
| November 5 | WMA Simplified |
| December 10 | EMA Expedited / Standard |
Utility Interconnection Reports
On the 15th of each month, the Electric Distribution Companies provide monthly interconnection reports. Information pertaining to these reports are provided below.
Aggregated RAW DATA set through October 2024 (posted 11/18/24)
- National Grid (October 2024) (posted 11/18/24)
- Eversource East (October 2024) (posted 11/18/24)
- Eversource West (October 2024) (posted 11/18/24)
- Unitil (October 2024) (posted 11/18/24)
Utility Reporting Accuracy Email from DOER to EDCs (06/14/2023)
Hosting Capacity Maps
As of November 2019, the electric utilities in Massachusetts are now making Hosting Capacity Maps available for review.
Utility Interconnection Information Websites
MA Technical Standards Review Group
For information on the Common Technical Standards and the Technical Standards Review Group (TSRG), please visit the web page of the MA TSRG.