Interconnection Standards 

As part of the state’s 1999 electric-utility restructuring law, the Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUC) initiated a lengthy process to establish interconnection rules and procedures. The rules cover all distributed generation (DG) up to 300 kVA, with separate provisions for small systems up to 25 kW. These are accompanied by a screening document similar to California’s, which is a flow chart for the DG interconnection process. A sample application has also been developed by the PUC, but to apply for interconnection, system owners must use individual utility applications.  

Although the Ohio DG interconnection rules do not reference IEEE 1547 or IEEE 929, the requirements essentially mirror these two national standards. For small systems, utilities may require an external disconnect.  

Procedurally, the screening process establishes the criteria for systems that qualify for a Simplified Interconnection Agreement. A supplemental review is required where the system is larger than the 300-kW three-phase or 25-kW single-phase size limits, or the equipment has not been type-tested. Site commissioning tests may still be required in any event to insure that the system is connected properly and that the protective functions are working properly. Beyond the supplemental review, some systems will require a "System Impact and Facility Study" to ensure certain distribution feeder capacity limits are met. Utilities may collect fees to cover the costs of the application process as well as a refundable deposit if any studies are required to analyze the impact of the customer's equipment on the distribution wires system. Reference Technical Requirements for Interconnection and Parallel Operation of Distributed Generation for more information or contact Ohio Public Utilities Commission.

Residential Renewable Energy Grants

Residential Wind Energy Incentive Program NOFA 09-02

http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/ELFGrant.htm#NOFA_09-02

This program is available for Qualified Systems installed for Eligible Customers through applications submitted to the Program by an Eligible Installer.  Eligible customers include all residential customers who are connected to the electric grid and have an active account in the American Electric Power, Duke, First Energy or Dayton Power and Light service territories in the State of Ohio.  Qualified residential wind turbines will have a minimum annual output of 3000 kWh at the average annual wind speed for the site at the proposed hub height. A list of Eligible Installers is available on the OEO website.

Incentive amount: $2.00/kWh or 50% of project costs

Maximum award per applicant: $25,000

Contact:
Preston Boone
Ohio Department of Development
Office of Energy Efficiency
77 South High Street, 26th Floor
PO Box 1001
Columbus, OH 43216-1001
Phone: (614) 466-6797
Fax: (614) 466-1864
E-Mail: preston.boone@development.ohio.gov
Web site: http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/ELFGrant.htm

Conversion Facilities Corporate Tax Exemption

A statute enacted in 1978 exempts certain equipment from property taxation, Ohio's sales and use tax, and Ohio's franchise tax where applicable. This incentive has had positive impacts in the promotion of renewable energy in Ohio. 

The exemption applies to tangible property used in energy conversion, thermal efficiency improvements and solid waste energy conversion. Generally, "conversion" refers to the replacement of fossil fuel sources of energy with alternative fuels or technologies. Eligible technologies include solar thermal systems, photovoltaic systems, wind, biomass and waste recovery systems. 

Upon receipt of certification from the tax commissioner, such property is exempt from Ohio's sales and use taxes. In addition, such equipment improvements cannot be considered an improvement on land for purposes of property taxation, and they are not considered in the assessment of Ohio's franchise tax. For more information contact the Ohio Department of Development.

 Contact:

Bowling Green Municipal Utilities - Net Metering

Although Ohio's statewide net metering rule applies only to investor-owned utilities (see above), Bowling Green Municipal Utility (BGMU) offers net metering to its customers. A standard interconnection permit is available for wind, solar, hydro, fuel cells and micro generators up to 25 kW. Larger installations have site-specific requirements. The treatment of excess generation is negotiated with BGMU. There is no limit on overall enrollment. Generating facilities must comply with all IEEE, NEC and UL standards, as well as local requirements.  
 
For more information contact the City of Bowling Green Municipal Utilities.

Prepared by AWS Truewind for the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Energy Efficiency, The Ohio Wind Resource Explorer (WRE) contains the newest interactive maps of mean annual wind speed at 30, 50, 70 and 100 meters above effective ground level. Additional maps show wind power density at 50 and 100 meters above effective ground level.

The US Department of Energy has produced wind resource maps for each state. The map for Ohio can be found here. You may also find the definitions of Wind Power Classes for the maps helpful.

The US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network has also collected wind resource data for Ohio.

Useful information may also be found at the web site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

The Green Energy Ohio website is a great resource for all those looking into renewable energy in Ohio. From this website you can access the Ohio Wind Power Conference Toolkit. The toolkit has 500 pages of information on siting turbines, interconnection issues in Ohio, economics and incentives, choosing a turbine, finding an installer, and more. You can also access Ohio small wind case studies (or click here to download the pdf), a useful tool to learn about others’ experiences with installation and wind ownership.

The Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America website provides information including the downloadable “Small Wind Electric Systems: an Ohio Consumer’s Guide.”

The American Wind Energy Association provides a list of wind turbine manufacturers. For a list of wind turbine installers in your area, please contact the manufacturers.

The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. Another item of interest is the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s web site on wind energy projects and wind energy events/news occurring through out the country.

Related resources:

• Generating your own Electricity: Customer Guide for Interconnection
• Generating your own Electricity: Interconnection Applicant's Checklist
• Generating Wind Power in Ohio

Source Guides offer a list of renewable energy companies in each state. To see companies in Ohio, visit their website.

For more information on Ohio utilities and contacts visit the Ohio Utilities Protection services, http://www.oups.org/. Also visit the Public Utilities Commission.

The US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network maintains a list of state contacts.

Ohio Wind Working Group

At its initial informational session, the Ohio Wind Working Group considered the status of wind power activity in Ohio, including an overview of regional, national and international commercial wind activity, and identified key economic, educational, and political barriers to fashion an Ohio Wind Power Development Strategic Plan. Visit Ohio Wind Working Group for documents and updates.

Green Energy Ohio

An organization dedicated to promote renewable energy throughout Ohio, Green Energy Ohio’s website provides a list of Ohio-specific wind events, Ohio incentives for renewable energy, information on buying green power, and much more. For more information visit, http://www.greenenergyohio.org

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority

The OAQDA can offer tax exemptions (sales and use tax, property tax, and corporate franchise tax) for renewable energy projects. While the majority of OAQDA projects come from business and institutional customers, residential applications are eligible and are cost-effective if the project is of substantial size. For more information visit their web site.

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