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.
Interconnection Implementation Review Group
Introduction
An order establishing the Interconnection Implementation Review Group (IIRG) was issued by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) as 19-55-F on 6/6/23. The DPU has been involved procedurally for initial assembly of the group, after which the group will operate independently.
Scope of the IIRG is limited to Distributed Generation (DG) interconnection in Massachusetts and processes overseen by the DPU. Topics discussed by the group may tangentially relate to other elements, however each substantive topic must be centrally focused on its relation to the state's DG interconnection processes outlines in the DG Interconnection Tariff. Recommendations from the group shall focus on process recommendations to the DPU for processes under their purview. Technical topics that overlap with policy may be discussed at the IIRG with notification and collaboration with the Technical Standards Review Group (TSRG), with deferral to that group for technical decisions.
An electronic distribution list has been developed for dissemination of written communication from the IIRG. The list consists of IIRG members, Advisory Panel members, and non-member interested stakeholders. Any individual may request to be added to the distribution list as an interested stakeholder by contacting the IIRG Co-Chairs in writing.
Additional information regarding the group can be found in the Group Charter.
- The state currently has several other working groups that complement the IIRG. Links to these groups can be found below:
Membership
Below is a listing of members and advisory panel participants. A full listing of all interested parties to be included in IIRG mailings can be found in the full distribution list. Anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to any of the members listed below for coordination and collaboration on any topic undertaken by the group.
Utility Members
- Co-Chair: Brett Jacobson, Eversource, brett.jacobson@eversource.com
- Naera Haghnazarian, Eversource, naera.haghnazarian@eversource.com
- Michael Porcaro, National Grid, Michael.Porcaro@nationalgrid.com
- William Kern, National Grid, William.Kern@nationalgrid.com
- John Bonazoli, Unitil, Bonazoli@unitil.com
- Jeremy Kites, Unitil, KitesJ@unitil.com
Non-Utility Members
- Co-Chair: Kate Tohme, New Leaf Energy, ktohme@newleafenergy.com
- Courtney Feeley Karp, Klavens Law Group, cfeeleykarp@klavenslawgroup.com
- Sean Burke, Bluewave Solar, sburke@bluewave.energy
- Andrew Hickok, Solect Energy, ahickok@solect.com
- Ben Underwood, Resonant, ben@resonant.energy
- James Manzer, Revision, jamesm@revisionenergy.com
- Gerry Bingham, DOER, gerry.bingham@mass.gov
- Chris Modish, AGO, Chris.Modlish@mass.gov
Advisory Panel
- Doug Smith, ISO-New England, dlsmith@iso-ne.com
- Tim Snyder, Northeast Clean Energy Council, tsnyder@necec.org
- Brian Lydic, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, brian@irecusa.org
- Sarah Cullinan, MassCEC, scullinan@masscec.com
Substantive Topics
In the first round leading up to the DPU filing in March 2024, the substantive topics addressed by the group are listed below. Priority Topics will be determined in upcoming meetings. Anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to any of the members for coordination and collaboration on any topic undertaken by the group. Alternatively, non-member interested stakeholders may share thoughts and concerns on substantive topics via NECEC and/or either of the IIRG Co-Chairs.
- Revisions to the simplified process, including those previously discussed at the TSRG.
- Distribution impact study timelines and costs
- Utilizing technological innovations to lower infrastructure upgrade costs
- Revisions to the expedited process, focusing on screening, study requirements and expedited process eligibility
- Queue management, focusing on level of accuracy of facilities in the queue (mitigating inaccurate information and missing applications)
- Revising hosting capacity map requirements to include queue information
- Aligning TSRG and IIRG operating procedures
Upcoming Meetings
IIRG Meeting: TBD (near 4th Wednesday in July)
- Meeting Info
- Google Meeting; JOIN
- Call-In Info: (US) +1 347-352-3230 PIN: 996 151 993#
- Meeting Materials
- TBD
- TBD
Past Meetings
2025
- June 25, 2025 (Agenda)
- June 17, 2025 DPU 25-48 Public Hearing:
- On May 27, 2025, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) responded to the IIRG's March 20, 2025 filing by opening an investigation under docket DPU 25-48. As a part of this investigation, the Order announced a public hearing and opportunity for public comment. Attendance and details for commenters are provided in the Notice and Order below.
- DPU 25-48 Public Notice
- DPU 25-48 Vote and Order: Notice of IIRG Filing, Public Hearing, and Request for Comments
- DPU File Room for 25-48; the IIRG's March 20 filing materials can also be found in the Past Filings Section below.
- On May 27, 2025, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) responded to the IIRG's March 20, 2025 filing by opening an investigation under docket DPU 25-48. As a part of this investigation, the Order announced a public hearing and opportunity for public comment. Attendance and details for commenters are provided in the Notice and Order below.
- May 28, 2025 (Agenda | Survey | Minutes)
- May 5, 2025 (Agenda| Stakeholder Priorities | Minutes)
- March 26, 2025
- February 10, 2025 (Notes)
- January 22, 2025
2024
2023
- November 29, 2023 (Agenda |Notes)
- Topic #1 Simplified Process Presentation
- Expedited Process SubGroup Proposal
- Marked up document for collaboration
- October 12, 2023 (Agenda | Notes | Presentation)
Past Filings
2025
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.
2025 Schedule of Workshops
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 5 | Eversource East - Simplified | Slides |
| March 12 | Eversource West - Expedited / Standard |
| April 17 | National Grid - Standard/Complex DG Interconnection | Slides |
| May 7 | Eversource East - Expedited / Standard | Email anne.morrison@Eversource.com |
| May 15 | National Grid DER Open House | Breakout Session: Process Steps on the Knowledge Page (YouTube) |
| May 16 | Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs: Improving Interconnection Webinar Slides | Improving Interconnection to the Electric Grid Website |
| June 11 | Eversource West - Simplified | Slides |
| July | TBD |
| August 20 | Eversource West - Expedited / Standard | Email anne.morrison@Eversource.com |
| September 17 | Eversource East - Simplified - Email Elaine.Zimmerman@Eversource.com |
| October | TBD |
| November 5 | WMA Simplified - Email Elaine.Zimmerman@Eversource.com |
| December 10 | EMA Expedited / Standard - Email Elaine.Zimmerman@Eversource.com |
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 (Slides) |
| November 20, 2024 | Eversource West: Simplified (Slides) |
| December 11, 2024 | Eversource East: Expedited/Standard (Slides) | Active Links Addendum (PPT) |
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 May 2025 (posted 6/20/25)
- National Grid (May 2025) (posted 6/20/25)
- Eversource East (May 2025) (posted 6/20/25)
- Eversource West (May 2025) (posted 6/20/25)
- Unitil (May 2025) (posted 6/20/25)
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.