Polk-Burnett is often asked for recommendations and advice in selecting co-generation equipment. Since our primary experience is with the operation of the electric system, we leave the researching and procurement of co-generating equipment as the member’s responsibility. Polk-Burnett’s responsibility begins at the interconnection with the electric meter, ensuring that the power provided by the equipment back on to the electric system is of sufficient quality. Following are our requirements for interconnection:
Complete an
application describing your proposed co-generation equipment and submit to Polk-Burnett.
Any co-generation system will be required to have a 240-volt inverter with automatic shutdown, which means that when there is a power outage on Polk-Burnett’s system, the co-generation equipment can no longer generate power. The arrangement is a safety feature designed to protect utility field personnel from co-generation power on our lines, when we believe the lines are de-energized. A trip charge will be assessed to allow Polk-Burnett to test the automatic shut down of your system prior to connection to the grid.
One meter will be used with two registers to record the power flow in each direction. The first register will measure usage when the generator is not supplying enough power to meet the demands of the entire house and the member is purchasing power from Polk-Burnett. The second register will measure usage when the member is producing more power than is required by the house and Polk-Burnett is purchasing the excess. There will be a charge assessed for Polk-Burnett to install an advanced bidirectional meter.
An electric disconnect, accessible to utility line personnel and properly labeled, is required and is the responsibility of the member to install.
For residential co-generation less than 40 kW, Polk-Burnett will purchase any excess energy at the same rate that you purchase energy from us. An
agreement must be signed by both parties to formalize the arrangement.
Any costs for necessary upgrades of facilities, including transformer, service wire, etc., will be the member's responsibility. You will be notified of the expected charges once a Polk-Burnett Engineering Technician has reviewed your plans and visited the site.
The owner is required to have $300,000 in liability insurance and must provide Polk-Burnett with a certificate of insurance stating Polk-Burnett as a certificate holder.
Typically, a few co-generation inquiries are received each year, but most projects are not constructed. Currently, Polk-Burnett has nine windmills and nine solar collectors in operation on our system. The initial installation cost does not generally justify the payback for Wisconsin's geographic area, since we do not experience enough wind or sun energy. If you proceed further with your research or have additional questions, please contact Polk-Burnett, 800-421-0283, ext. 319/339.