Toll Free: (877) 850-4343
On-Site Generation
When referencing Member-Owned energy systems, East-Central Iowa REC supports member-consumers who are interested in generating their own electricity through qualifying renewable energy systems such as solar or wind.
Members who own or plan to install an eligible generation system may connect to ECI REC’s electric grid if the requirements of the Cooperative’s Distributed Generation Interconnection Standards (Link to Article 4 in the Tariff) and tariff policies (Link to 17.3 in the Tariff) are met.
How Interconnection Works
Before connecting a renewable energy system to the Cooperative’s electric system, ECI REC reviews the facility to ensure it complies with all applicable safety and technical requirements outlined in the Cooperative’s electric tariff and general regulations.
Once approved:
- A bi-directional meter is installed to measure both electricity used from the grid and electricity generated by the member-consumer’s system.
- Members can continue purchasing electricity from ECI REC whenever their system is not producing enough power to meet their needs.
- If a member-consumer’s system generates more electricity than is used, ECI REC will provide credit based on the current avoided cost rate established by the Cooperative’s power supplier.
On-Site Generation Facilities and Interconnection Agreements and Contracts
- Interconnection Level 1 Request Application and Agreement (OE-0023d 7-26-22)
- Inverter-Based D.G. Facilities 100 kVA or less
- Inverter-Based D.G. Facilities 100 kVA or less
- Interconnection Levels 2 to 4 Request Application (OE-0023b 1-8-24)
- D.G. Facilities 10 MVA or less
- D.G. Facilities 10 MVA or less
- Interconnection Levels 2 to 4 Agreement (OE-0023a 10-27-17)
- D.G. Facilities 10 MVA or less
- D.G. Facilities 10 MVA or less
- Interconnection Certificate of Completion of On-Site Generation Facilities (OE-0023c 10-27-17)
Important Legal Requirements and Responsibilities Before Installation
Iowa law requires owners of alternative energy production facilities to notify their electric utility before construction begins. This requirement applies to facilities connected to an electric transmission or distribution line, including:
- Solar energy systems
- Wind turbines
- Agricultural or biomass generation facilities
- Waste management and resource recovery systems
- Wood-burning electric generation facilities
Written notice must be provided to ECI REC at least 30 days before construction or installation begins. The notice must include:
- The type of generation facility being installed
- The anticipated construction completion date
To help member-consumers meet these requirements, ECI REC provides standard application and interconnection agreements.
Solar Energy Resource Guide
Members considering solar energy for their home, farm, or small business can review the Home Series: Solar PV Energy Guide, developed through a collaboration between the Iowa Energy Center, Iowa electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and investor-owned utilities.
The guide provides helpful information on:
- Understanding solar technology
- System sizing and costs
- Financial considerations
- Questions to ask installers
- Interconnection and utility requirements
For more information about member-owned renewable energy systems, contact ECI REC at 877-850-4343 or ecirec@ecirec.coop.