Distributed Generation
Interconnection Guidelines
The following documents were created by a group of industry stakeholders and approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to establish interconnection processes and standards for customers connecting distributed generation to Minnesota Power’s distribution system. All applicable forms and applications must be completed and reviewed by Minnesota Power prior to installation.
The Order Establishing Standards can be found in eDockets under Docket Number
E-999/CI-16-521.
- Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Process
- Distributed Generation Interconnection Requirements - TSM
- Minnesota Distributed Energy Source Interconnection Agreement
- Uniform Statewide Contract
- Simplified Interconnection Application (20 kW and less)
- Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Application
- SolarSense Incentive Application
- Energy Storage Addendum
- Certificate of Completion
- Facilities Study Agreement
- System Impact Study Agreement
- Other Documents
- Electric Service Agreement
- Power Purchase Agreement
- Confidentiality Agreement
- Pre-application Request Form
- Minnesota Power Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Queue
Transmission Interconnection Guidelines
- Interconnection Guidelines For Substation/End Use Customers
- MISO's Generation Interconnection Process (BPM-015)
State Rules
Minnesota Power DG Rates
Minnesota Power (MP) offers three different tariffs applicable to distributed generation (DG) interconnected to MP's distribution system. The three tariffs are: Rider for Parallel Generation, Rider for Distributed Generation Service, and Community-Based Energy Development (C-BED).
- Rider for Parallel Generation - applicable to distributed generation systems under 40 kW or between 40 kW and 100 kW.
- Rider for Distributed Generation Service - applicable to all distributed generation systems under 10 MW connected to Minnesota Power’s distribution system.
- Rider For Standby Service - applicable to all distributed generation systems 100 kW and larger.
- Electric Service Regulations - applicable to all Minnesota Power customers.
Additional Resources
Minnesota Power Contacts
Questions Regarding DG Systems connected to Minnesota Power’s Distribution System:
Contact Paul Helstrom at 218-355-3720 or via e-mail at phelstrom@mnpower.com
Requests for Interconnection to Transmission Facilities:
Contact Christian Winter at 218-355-2908 or via e-mail at cwinter@mnpower.com
Solar Safety Alert – Silicon Energy Solar Panels
Minnesota Power has been informed about a safety alert from Intertek testing laboratories involving a solar product manufactured by Silicon Energy. A limited number of customers with solar systems have reported model numbers that may be impacted; we have shared a link to the safety alert informing them of the situation. The safety alert includes impacted solar system model numbers and years, known issues and suggested actions.
We encourage customers to talk to their solar installer about the safety alert and what their next steps should be. We have also notified solar installers of this safety concern.
Safety is a core value at Minnesota Power for customers, communities and operations. While Minnesota Power has conducted important research regarding solar performance in a northern climate, a manufacturing issue such as this was not detected or anticipated. Affected customers are urged to work with their solar installer to take appropriate action to ensure safety and avoid potential hazards.