Several groups are pushing for the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (PSC) to expedite project interconnections so owners and developers can take advantage of Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) ahead of federal cliffs, according to new filings with the state.

The PSC opened Formal Case No. 1050 on October 22 requesting input from stakeholders about potential temporary solutions for expedited interconnection of distributed energy resources (DERs) due to the sunsetting of ITCs. At least seven groups provided feedback to the PSC ahead of the October 31 deadline, with many echoing the sentiment that expedited interconnection is crucial to getting both small C&I projects and residential solar systems connected to the grid in a timely fashion.

CleanCapital, a developer, owner, and operator in the solar and storage sector, suggested that systems requiring distribution system upgrades should be granted interim permits allowing operation of systems with limited export until the work is completed.

“Under this framework, Pepco would issue an interim authority to operate (“ATO”) after the completion of system construction and electric inspections to allow for the limited operation of the project until required distribution system upgrades are completed,” Clean Capital’s Director of Policy and Market Development Scott Elias said in his testimony . “For behind-the-meter (“BTM”) systems, this would be zero export of excess generation to the grid, and for front-of-the-meter (“FTM”) systems, this would be a limited export of generation that stays below the threshold that would trigger the grid upgrade.”

Elias also suggested the PSC allow interconnection customers to self-build interconnection facilities to reduce timeline risk.

Regarding Pepco, Elias said the PSC should consider requiring the utility to hire more staff to complete engineering reviews and exercise more oversight to ensure they meet interconnection timelines.

We Power DC, DC Climate Action, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Solar Solution, Office of the People’s Council, and a resident with a residential rooftop solar system also commented in favor of the PSC considering expedited interconnection options.

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