Interconnection Guidelines

In 1988 the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) adopted terms and conditions of purchase that govern the supplying and delivering of power to a cooperative/utility’s electric system by a small power producer or cogenerator (as the terms are respectively defined under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978) of 100 kilowatts or less. The terms and conditions adopted include several limited-in-scope interconnection requirements, although no standardized interconnection procedures have been adopted by the OCC. The cooperative/utility has considerable discretion to “set reasonable requirements for the [customer-generator’s] facilities and equipment” (OAC 165:50-5-7(c)), and potential customer-generators should contact their cooperative/utility to learn more about specific terms and conditions, the application process, and availability of net metering.

Under the adopted rules the distributed energy system must be installed and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code and with all local laws. The customer-generator must also install a disconnecting device that is accessible to the cooperative/utility.

The customer-generator must also pay for “all electrical wiring and apparatus” that are connected to the cooperative/utility's distribution. All purchase meters and detents are furnished, installed, and maintained by the cooperative/utility and remain its property. All meter bases, enclosures, and other associated equipment shall be furnished and owned by the cooperative/utility and maintained by the customer-generator. The customer-generator must reimburse the cooperative/utility for all furnished meters, bases, and associated equipment.