Solar/Wind/Battery Interconnections

A TDPUD Interconnection Agreement is required for any residential power system that can push power back onto the electric grid, including batteries, solar power system and wind power systems. 

It's important that TDPUD has information about this equipment on record so that we can properly manage our electric distribution system. This is necessary so we can monitor and predict our electric load accurately, operate our system safely, and ensure that interconnected customers are billed at the correct electric rate. Interconnected customers with power generation or storage systems are required to be on TDPUD's Time-of-Use Electric Rate.

Customers doing battery-only installations may choose whether or not they want to be interconnected to the TDPUD system. If they opt to interconnect, this will be done for the standard fee and the account will be placed on the Time-of-Use rate.  If the customer chooses to not be interconnected for a battery-only installation, (i.e. the battery will be for home backup only), the battery will be recorded for records purposes only and a fee will not be charged.  

See below for the step-by-step process for applying for an Interconnection Agreement, as well as a list of requirements for the application. The Town of Truckee requires a separate permitting process for these systems. Visit their website for additional permitting and fee details.

Requirements for Interconnection

Interconnection FAQ

Why do I need to apply for an interconnection agreement with TDPUD after I've already gotten a solar permit from the Town of Truckee?

TDPUD needs to evaluate that the interconnected system meets our safety standards and will not push power to the grid during outages to protect our staff and equipment. TDPUD also needs to update your rate to time-of-use and modify your meter to correctly read electric generation from the interconnected system.

I'm installing a battery at my home as backup power only, do I need to get an interconnection agreement?

An interconnection agreement is not necessary for a backup battery alone that will not push power to the grid, however an application is still required. The application allows TDPUD to have a complete and accurate picture of the behind-the-meter equipment within our service territory, for potential future programs as well as coordination with emergency services.

Customers should submit an Interconnection Application, but will not need to submit a project review fee or sign an Interconnection Agreement. The project will receive engineering review and approval from TDPUD.

What is TDPUD's Time-of-Use rate?

TDPUD solar customers must utilize the Time-of-Use rate, which incentivizes customers to use energy during “off-peak” hours by providing a cheaper rate when energy is both less expensive to procure and often greener. Click here to learn more about TDPUD's Time-of-Use Rate.

When can I turn on my interconnected system?

You can turn on your interconnected system once you've received a permission to operate email form TDPUD. If you turn on your system prior to receiving permission to operate, the meter will not be reprogrammed and generation will be charged as usage.

How to Obtain a TDPUD Interconnection Agreement

  1. Submit Interconnection Application online using one of the following links:
  3. Pay Project Review Fee
    • An invoice will be sent by TDPUD after application has been accepted
    • Battery-only installations will not require a fee unless the customer would like to be interconnected
  5. Engineering Review
    • The TDPUD electric engineering team will review your application to ensure that your plans meet the established standards
  7. System Installation
    • Following engineering approval, you may begin installation of your system. Notify TDPUD when installation is complete by emailing interconnection@tdpud.org so that the interconnection process can continue
    • DO NOT OPERATE YOUR SYSTEM BEFORE RECEIVING PERMISSION TO OPERATE
  9. Customer Signs Interconnection Agreement
    • Following notification of installation, TDPUD will send the customer a completed interconnection agreement for the customer to sign and return to TDPUD using Docusign
  11. Billing Systems Updated
    • TDPUD will update your electricity rate and reprogram your electric meter to be bidirectional. Operating your system before these changes have been made will result in being billed for energy production
  13. TDPUD Signs Interconnection Agreement
    • TDPUD will finalize and sign the interconnection agreement and return it to you
  15. Permission to Operate Granted
    • Once you receive the signed interconnection agreement from TDPUD, you are free to operate your system

Have a question? Email us at interconnection@tdpud.org


Additional Details

  • Fees may be paid online through our SmartHub payment portal using your bank account, by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in person at our main lobby, or by mailing a check to Truckee Donner Public Utility District Attn: Work Orders, 11570 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee, CA 96161. Please reference the service address and account number