Polk-Burnett is often asked for recommendations and advice in selecting cogeneration equipment. Since our primary experience is with the operation of the electric system, we leave the researching and procurement of cogenerating 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 cogeneration equipment.
Any cogeneration 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 cogeneration equipment can no longer generate power. The arrangement is a safety feature designed to protect utility field personnel from cogeneration power on our lines, when we believe the lines are de-energized.
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.
An electric disconnect, accessible to utility line personnel and properly labeled, is required.
For residential cogeneration less than 40 kW, Polk-Burnett will purchase any excess energy at the same rate that you purchase energy from us. We have an
agreement that must be signed to formalize the arrangement.
Any costs for necessary upgrades of facilities, including transformer, service wire, etc., will be the member's responsibility.
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 an additional insured party.
Typically, a few cogeneration inquiries are received each year, but most projects are not constructed. Currently, Polk-Burnett has four windmills and three small solar collectors in operation on the entire 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.