T&D Interconnection
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and LoadsStreamlining DER and Load Interconnection
Distributed energy resources (DERs), including rooftop solar, battery storage, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, along with localized loads such as new or upgraded service connections and temporary power for electrification and new construction, are driving complex interconnection challenges. Utilities must process these requests quickly and accurately while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering a seamless customer experience.
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Loads
Automate Manual Interconnection Processes
Many utility interconnection teams still rely on disparate internal systems and manual processes (like spreadsheets and email) that cannot scale to meet the combined surge of localized load growth and DER adoption. These outdated methods often lead to errors, inefficiencies, frustrated customers, strained installer relationships, and mounting project backlogs—creating significant operational and reputational challenges for utilities. Common interconnection challenges include:
- High Volume of Applications: Residential and commercial projects are growing exponentially.
- Manual Processes: Paper forms and spreadsheets slow approvals and increase errors.
- Regulatory Compliance: State and local rules demand strict timelines and detailed reporting.
- Customer Expectations: Homeowners, buildings, and installers want transparency and fast turnaround.
To meet these challenges, leading electric utilities choose PowerClerk® for a no-code workflow platform that streamlines and scales complex energy and utility processes, improving business performance, reducing operational risk, and modernizing experiences. It enables electric utilities to digitize, standardize, and automate interconnection processes all in one flexible system. PowerClerk Intelligence adds AI-powered capabilities that accelerate and optimize processes even further, with features like AI-assisted attachment reviews and machine learning-driven workflow performance insights. Backed by enterprise-grade reliability, continuous innovation, and a dedicated support team, PowerClerk is the trusted solution for energy and utility organizations navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape.
- Trusted by 80+ utilities and energy agencies nationwide.
- Proven across over 3 million projects.
- Continuous innovation through 40+ code releases per year.
With PowerClerk, electric utilities can streamline and scale their DER and load interconnection processes, enabling them to:
- Customize Workflows: Visualize, configure, and test workflows, including automations for status changes and actions.
- Streamline Processes: Automate intake, validation, routing, and approvals for multi-party workflows.
- Automate Communications: Notify applicants and stakeholders of status changes and deadlines via email or custom views.
- Expedite Attachment Reviews: Significantly reduce manual review time for site plans, electrical diagrams, and other documents with human-in-the-loop, AI Attachment Agents.
- Configure Forms: Build and publish drag-and-drop web forms for a cohesive user experience.
- Consolidate Tasks: Use templates to auto-generate documents with eSignature and ePayment capabilities.
- Validate & Integrate Data: Sync with IT systems (CIS, GIS, etc.) to eliminate duplicate entry and save time.
- Manage Interconnection Data: Standardize data for forecasting, grid planning, and operations.
- Manage Interconnection Data: Create and collect structured, uniform data for downstream processes, including load forecasting, grid planning, and operations.
- Enhance Transparency: Provide real-time status updates to internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Ensure Compliance: Built-in deadline management, reminders, and reporting to meet strict regulatory requirements.
- Streamline Reporting: Visualize workflows, schedule reports, and integrate with Power BI and Excel.
- Drive Continuous Process Improvements: Effortlessly monitor workflow performance and surface hidden bottlenecks through ML-powered Workflow Insights.
- Adapt Quickly: No-code configuration enables rapid response to changing business needs without IT delays.
- Accelerate Timelines: Reduce processing time—Fortis Alberta cut applications from 50–75 days to 7–14 (≈80%).
Case Study
FortisAlberta reduces solar interconnection application processing time by 80%
With distributed solar applications quadrupling in Alberta since 2022, the FortisAlberta team faced strain keeping up with the growth. Learn how implementing PowerClerk® enabled FortisAlberta to slash application processing time by 80% while significantly improving satisfaction for all stakeholders.
Ready to simplify your interconnection processes?
Contact us and see how PowerClerk can help you streamline workflows, reduce risk, and deliver better experiences.
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