PURPA QF Interconnections

These processes are for generators in Idaho and Oregon.

Idaho Generators up to 80 MW

1. Eligibility Requirements

2. Application

3. Feasibility Study: 30 Business Days

Includes general review of system impact, capacity constraints and any potential issues with the customer’s choice of point of interconnection.

4. System Impact Study: 30–45 Business Days

Provides a detailed assessment of transmission system adequacy to accommodate the project. This step may not be necessary for some projects, depending on size and location.

5. Facilities Study: 30–45 Business Days

Includes design and engineering studies to determine design and specifications. Construction options are provided to the customer.

6. Interconnection Agreement

All projects are subject to technical requirements under the Interconnection Agreements once the project becomes operational.

Idaho Generator Interconnection Agreement Schedule 72

Oregon Generators up to 10 MW

Tier 1

1. Eligibility Requirements

In addition, the application must meet approval criteria in the Tier 1, Section 2 (a) – (e) in the Small Generator Interconnection Rules.

  • Must use lab-tested, inverter-based interconnection equipment
  • Electric Nameplate Capacities of 25kW or less
  • Must not be interconnected to a transmission line

2. Application

3. Application Review: 15 Business Days

  • If the application is approved, the request will proceed to the Interconnection Agreement
  • If the application is not approved, may submit a new application to Tier 2

4. Interconnection Agreement

All projects are subject to technical requirements under the Interconnection Agreements once the project becomes operational.

Tier 2

1. Eligibility Requirements

In addition, the application must meet approval criteria in the Tier 2, Section 2 (a) – (1) in the Small Generator Interconnection Rules.

  • Does not qualify for, or failed to meet Tier 1 eligibility requirements
  • Electric Nameplate Capacities of 2 MW or less
  • Interconnected to a radial distribution circuit or a spot network distribution circuit limited to serving one customer
  • Must not be interconnected to a transmission line
  • Must use interconnection equipment that is either lab-tested or field-tested

2. Application

3. Application Review: 20 Business Days

  • If the application is approved, the request will proceed to the Interconnection Agreement
  • If the application is not approved, may submit a new application to Tier 3

4. Interconnection Agreement

All projects are subject to technical requirements under the Interconnection Agreements once the project becomes operational.

Tier 3

1. Eligibility Requirements

In addition, the application must meet approval criteria in the Tier 2 Section 2 (a), (h) and (j), and in the Tier 3 Section 3 (a) – (c) in the Small Generator Interconnection Rules.

  • Does not qualify for, or failed to meet Tier 1 or Tier 2 eligibility requirements
  • Electric Nameplate Capacities of 10 MW or less
  • Must not be interconnected to a transmission line
  • Must not export power beyond the point of interconnection
  • Must use low forward power relays or other protection functions that prevent power flow onto the area network

2. Application

3. Application Review: 20 Business Days

  • If the application is approved, the request will proceed to the Interconnection Agreement.
  • If the application is not approved, may submit a new application to Tier 4

4. Interconnection Agreement

All projects are subject to technical requirements under the Interconnection Agreements once the project becomes operational.

Tier 4

1. Eligibility Requirements

In addition, the application must meet approval criteria in the Tier 4 Section 5 (A) and (B) in the Small Generator Interconnection Rules.

  • Does not qualify for, or failed to meet Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 eligibility requirements
  • Electric Nameplate Capacities of 10 MW or less

2. Application

3. Application Review: 15 Business Days

  • If the application is approved, the request will proceed to the Interconnection Agreement.
  • If the application is not approved, proceed to the Feasibility Study.

4. Feasibility Study: 30 Business Days

Includes a general review of system impact, capacity constraints and any potential issues with the customer’s choice of point of interconnection. This step may not be necessary for all projects.

5. System Impact Study: 30–45 Business Days

Provides a detailed assessment of transmission system adequacy to accommodate the project. This step may not be necessary for all projects.

6. Facility Study: 30–45 Business Days

Includes design and engineering studies to determine design and specifications. Construction options are provided. This step may not be necessary for all projects.

7. Interconnection Agreement

All projects are subject to technical requirements under the Interconnection Agreements once the project becomes operational.

Witness Test

Interconnection Agreement for Small Generator Facility Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, or Tier 4 Interconnection

Small Generator Facility Interconnection Certificate of Completion Form

Oregon Generators between 20 and 80 MW (annual submission opens March 1)

1. Eligibility Requirements

Review the full requirements in Section 3.3.2 of the QF-LGIP.

2. Cluster Request Window: Expected 45 Calendar Days

The first Cluster Request Window shall open March 1, 2025.

  • Cluster Request Window shall open every March 1.
  • Applicable Cluster Study documents, data, and deposit due
  • Cluster Study Submission Checklist
  • Interconnection Requests submitted outside of this time will not be considered.

3. Customer Engagement Window: Expected 60 Calendar Days

  • View OASIS to view the application list.

4. Cluster Study: Expected 150 Calendar Days

Evaluates the impact of the proposed interconnection on the reliability of the Transmission System. Consists of power flow, stability, and short circuit analyses as well as provides a list of facilities that are required.

5. Cluster Study Restudies: Expected 150 Calendar Days

If a restudy is deemed necessary, Idaho Power will notify the Interconnection Customers within 30 Calendar Days after the Cluster Study Report Meeting. If there are no withdrawals after the completion of the Cluster Study or Restudy, or a restudy is deemed unnecessary, Idaho Power will notify the Interconnection Customers within 30 Calendar Days of such determination.

  • Demonstration of Continued Site Control
  • Bring Commercial Readiness Deposit to 5% of Interconnection Customer’s Network Upgrade costs assigned in the Cluster Study.

6. Facility Study: Expected 90–180 Calendar Days

Shall be specific to each Interconnection Request and be preformed on an individual basis

7. Large Generator Interconnection Agreement (LGIA)

Deposit equal to 20% of Interconnection Customer’s estimated Network Upgrade costs assigned in the Draft LGIA minus the total amount of Commercial Readiness Deposits previously provided.

Qualifying Facility Large Generator Interconnection Agreement (QF-LGIA)

Demonstration of Continued Site Control

For assistance with a PDF on this page or to request a PDF in an alternate format, please contact Customer Service at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151