SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
AGREEMENT FOR INTERCONNECTION AND PARALLEL
OPERATION OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATION
This Interconnection Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into this ____ day of _______________, 20____, by SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc., ("Cooperative"), a corporation organized under the laws of Illinois, and _________________________________ ("DG Owner/Operator"), each hereinafter sometimes referred to individually as "Party" or both referred to collectively as the "Parties". In consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Scope of Agreement
This Agreement is applicable to conditions under which the Cooperative and the DG Owner/Operator agree that one or more generating facilities (described in Exhibit A) owned by the DG Owner/Operator of _____ kW or less, to be interconnected at _____ kV or less ("Facilities") may be interconnected to the Cooperative's electric power distribution system ("System").
2. Establishment of Point of Interconnection
The point where the electric energy first leaves the wires or facilities owned by the Cooperative and enters the wires or facilities provided by DG Owner/Operator is the "Point of Interconnection." Cooperative and DG Owner/Operator agree to interconnect the Facilities at the Point of Interconnection in accordance with the Cooperative's rules, regulations, by-laws, rates, and tariffs (the "Rules") which are incorporated herein by reference. The interconnection equipment installed by the DG Owner/Operator ("Interconnection Facilities") shall be in accordance with the Rules as well.
3. Responsibilities of Cooperative and DG Owner/Operator for Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Facilities
DG Owner/Operator will, at its own cost and expense, install, operate, maintain, repair, and inspect, and shall be fully responsible for, its Facilities and Interconnection Facilities, unless otherwise specified on Exhibit A. DG Owner/Operator shall conduct operations of its Facilities and Interconnection Facilities in compliance with all aspects of the Rules and in accordance with industry standard prudent engineering practice. The Cooperative shall conduct operations of its electric distribution facilities in compliance with all aspects of the Rules, or as further described and mutually agreed to in the applicable Facilities Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A. Maintenance of Facilities and Interconnection Facilities shall be performed in accordance with the applicable manufacturers' recommended maintenance schedule. The DG Owner/Operator agrees to cause its Facilities and Interconnection Facilities to be constructed in accordance with the Rules and specifications equal to or better than those provided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), as they may be amended from time to time, the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code, both codes approved by the American National Standards Institute, and any other future, applicable standard in effect at the time of construction.
The DG Owner/Operator covenants and agrees to cause the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of, its Facilities and Interconnection Facilities so as to reasonably minimize the likelihood of a malfunction or other disturbance, damaging or otherwise affecting or impairing the System. DG Owner/Operator shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, zoning codes, building codes, safety rules and environmental restrictions applicable to the design, installation, operation and maintenance of its Facilities and Interconnection Facilities.
Cooperative will notify DG Owner/Operator if there is evidence that the Facilities' or Interconnection Facilities' operation causes disruption or deterioration of service to other customers served from the System or if the Facilities' or Interconnection Facilities' operation causes damage to the System. DG Owner/Operator will notify the Cooperative of any emergency or hazardous condition or occurrence with the DG Owner/Operator's Facilities or Interconnection Facilities, which could affect safe operation of the System.
4. Operator in Charge
The DG Owner/Operator shall each identify an individual (by name or title) who will perform as "Operator in Charge" of the Facilities and the DG Owner/Operator portion of the Interconnection Facilities. This individual must be familiar with this Agreement as well as provisions of the Rules and any other agreements or regulations that may apply.
5. Power Sales to Cooperative
SEIEC will purchase the energy delivered to SEIEC's distribution system from a qualified distributed generating facility with a nameplate rating of less than 50 kw for residential applications and a nameplate rating of less than 200 kw for all other applications. Any power purchased by SEIEC will be based upon SEIEC's avoided costs for wholesale power taking into consideration the capacity reliability factor of the generating facility.
SIPC will purchase the energy delivered to SEIEC's distribution system or SIPC's transmission system from a qualified distributed generating facility with a nameplate rating of 50 kw or more for residential applications and a nameplate rating of 200 kw or more for all other applications. Any power purchased by SIPC will be based upon SIPC's cost of generation-avoided cost and purchased power over the last calendar year divided by the total kwh sales. This rate is adjusted each January and is used through the remainder of that year.
6. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
a. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, with respect to the Cooperative's provision of electric service to DG Owner/Operator and the services provided by the Cooperative pursuant to this Agreement, Cooperative's liability to DG Owner/Operator shall be limited as set forth in the Cooperative's tariffs and terms and conditions for electric service, which are incorporated herein by reference.
b. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Force Majeure event is any event: (a) that is beyond the reasonable control of the affected party; and (b) that the affected party is unable to prevent or provide against by exercising reasonable diligence, including the following events or circumstances, but only to the extent that they satisfy the preceding requirements: acts of war, public disorder, rebellion or insurrection; floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, lighting, storms or other natural calamities; explosions or fires; strikes, work stoppages or labor disputes; embargoes; and sabotage. If a Force Majeure event prevents a party from fulfilling any obligations under this agreement, such party will promptly notify the other party in writing and will keep the other party informed on a continuing basis as to the scope and duration of the Force Majeure event. The affected party will specify the circumstances of the Force Majeure event, its expected duration and the steps that the affected party is taking to mitigate the effect of the event on its performance. The affected party will be entitled to suspend or modify its performance of obligations under this Agreement but will use reasonable efforts to resume its performance as soon as possible.
c. Notwithstanding Paragraph 5.b of this Agreement and to the extent allowed by law, the DG Owner/Operator shall assume all liability for and shall indemnify the Cooperative and its members, trustees, directors, officers, managers, employees, agents, representatives, affiliates, successors and assigns for and shall hold them harmless from and against any claims, suits, losses, costs, and expenses (including without limitation, reasonable attorney's and expert witness fees) of any kind or character to the extent that they result from DG Owner/Operator's negligence (wholly or in part) or other wrongful conduct in connection with the design, construction, installation, operation or maintenance of the Facilities or Interconnection Facilities. Such indemnity shall include, but is not limited to, financial responsibility for (a) monetary losses; (b) reasonable costs and expenses of defending an action or claim; (c) damages related to death or injury; (d) damages to property; and (e) damages for the disruption of business.
d. Cooperative and DG Owner/Operator shall each be responsible for the safe installation, maintenance, repair and condition of their respective lines, wires, switches, or other equipment or property on their respective sides of the Point of Interconnection. The Cooperative does not assume any duty of inspecting the DG Owner/Operator's lines, wires, switches, or other equipment or property and will not be responsible therefore. DG Owner/Operator assumes all responsibility for the electric service supplied hereunder and the facilities used in connection therewith at or beyond the Point of Interconnection.
e. For the mutual protection of the DG Owner/Operator and the Cooperative, only with Cooperative prior written authorization are the connections between the Cooperative's service wires and the DG Owner/Operator's service entrance conductors to be energized.
7. Testing and Testing Records
The DG Owner/Operator shall provide to the Cooperative all records of testing. Testing of protection systems for intermediate and large units shall be limited to records of compliance with standard acceptance procedures and by industry standards and practices. These records shall include testing at the start of commercial operation and periodic testing thereafter. Factory testing of pre-packaged Interconnection Facilities and the protective systems of small units shall be acceptable. In the case of a factory test, the DG Owner/Operator needs to provide a written description and certification by the factory of the test, the test results, and the qualification of any independent testing laboratory. In addition, the settings of the equipment being installed are to be approved by the Cooperative prior to DG operation.
8. Right of Access, Equipment Installation, Removal & Inspection
The Cooperative may send an employee, agent or contractor to the premises of the DG Owner/Operator at any time whether before, during or after the time the Facilities first produce energy to inspect the Facilities and Interconnection Facilities, and observe the Facility's installation, commissioning (including any testing), startup, operation, and maintenance.
At any time Cooperative shall have access to DG Owner/Operator's premises for any reasonable purpose in connection with the interconnection described in this Agreement, the Rules, or to provide service to its customers.
9. Disconnection of Facilities
DG Owner/Operator retains the option to disconnect its Facilities from the System, provided that DG Owner/Operator notifies the Cooperative of its intent to disconnect by giving the Cooperative at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice. Such disconnection shall not be a termination of this Agreement unless DG Owner/Operator exercises rights under Section 11 that do not lead to a resolution of the issue.
DG Owner/Operator shall disconnect Facilities from the System upon the effective date of any termination resulting from and required by actions under Section 12.
Cooperative shall have the right to disconnect or cause the DG Owner/Operator to disconnect the Facilities from the System and suspend service in cases where continuance of service to DG Owner/Operator will endanger persons or property. During the forced outage of the System serving DG Owner/Operator, Cooperative shall have the right to suspend service and disconnect or cause the DG Owner/Operator to disconnect the Facilities from the System to effect repairs on the System, but the Cooperative shall use its reasonable efforts to provide the DG Owner/Operator with reasonable prior notice.
10. Metering
The Cooperative shall purchase, own, install and maintain such metering equipment as may be necessary to meter the electrical output of the Facilities. All costs associated therewith shall be borne by the DG Owner/Operator. Metering shall meet accuracy standards required for equivalent electrical services and can be done with standard meters or any devices that meet data collection and accuracy requirements. For Facilities greater than 200 kW, telemetry may be required by Cooperative to monitor real-time output and other DG functions for large and medium generators that are operated remotely. Telemetry data shall be available to the Cooperative and the communication of such data shall be compatible with the Cooperative's communication methods.
11. Insurance
Throughout the term of this agreement, DG Owner/Operator shall carry a liability insurance policy issued by a licensed insurance carrier with an A.M. Best rating of B+ or better that provides protection against claims for damages resulting from (i) bodily injury, including wrongful death; and (ii) property damage arising out of the member's ownership and/or operation of the DG Facility under this agreement. The limits of such policy shall be at least $500,000 if the Gross Nameplate Rating (GNR) of the DG Facility is 25 KW or less, $1,000,000 if the GNR is greater than 25 KW but less than or equal to 200 KW, $2,000,000 if the GNR is greater 200 KW.
Member shall provide a certificate of insurance containing a minimum 30-day notice of cancellation to the cooperative prior to connection of the member's facility to the cooperative's system.
12. Effective Term and Termination Rights
This Agreement becomes effective when executed by both Parties and shall continue in effect until terminated. This Agreement may be terminated as follows: (a) DG Owner/Operator may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving the Cooperative at least sixty (60) days' written notice; (b) Cooperative may terminate upon failure by the DG Owner/Operator to generate energy from the Facilities within six (6) months after completion of the interconnection; (c) either Party may terminate by giving the other Party at least thirty (30) days prior written notice that the other Party is in default of any of the terms and conditions of the Agreement or the Rules or any rate schedule, tariff, regulation, contract, or policy of the Cooperative, so long as the notice specifies the basis for termination and there is opportunity to cure the default; (d) Cooperative may terminate by giving DG Owner/Operator at least sixty (60) days notice in the event that there is a material change in an applicable law, or any requirement of the Cooperative's wholesale electric suppliers or of any transmission utility, independent system operator or regional transmission organization having responsibility for the operation of any part of the System.
13. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Tariffs
Both the Cooperative and the DG Owner/Operator shall be responsible for complying with the laws of the state of Illinois, and the Rules. The interconnection and services provided under this Agreement shall at all times be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Rules, which Rules are hereby incorporated into this Agreement by this reference. The Cooperative shall have the right to publish changes in any of the Rules at any time.
14. Severability
If any portion or provision of this Agreement is held or adjudged for any reason to be invalid or illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed separate and independent, and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
15. Amendment
This Agreement may be amended only upon mutual agreement of the Parties, which amendment will not be effective until reduced to writing and executed by the Parties.
16. Entirety of Agreement and Prior Agreements Superseded
This Agreement, including the Rules and all attached Exhibits and Facilities Schedules, which are expressly made a part hereof for all purposes, constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties with regard to the interconnection of the facilities of the Parties at the Points of Interconnection expressly provided for in this Agreement. The Parties are not bound by or liable for any statement, representation, promise, inducement, understanding, or undertaking of any kind or nature (whether written or oral) with regard to the subject matter hereof not set forth or provided for herein or in the DG Owner/Operator application, or other written information provided by the DG Owner/Operator in compliance with the Rules. It is expressly acknowledged that the Parties may have other agreements covering other services not expressly provided for herein, which agreements are unaffected by this Agreement.
17. Assignment
At any time during the term of this Agreement, the DG Owner/Operator may assign this Agreement to a corporation, an entity with limited liability or an individual (the "Assignee") to whom the DG Owner/Operator transfers ownership of the Facilities; provided that the DG Owner/Operator obtains the consent of the Cooperative in advance of the assignment. The Cooperative's consent will be based on a determination that the Assignee is financially and technically capable to assume ownership and/or operation of the Facilities, which will not be unreasonably withheld. The company or individual to which this Agreement is assigned will be responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the Facilities, and must agree in writing to be subject to all provisions of this Agreement. Cooperative may also assign the Agreement to another entity with the written approval of the DG Owner/Operator.
18. Notices
Notices given under this Agreement are deemed to have been duly delivered if hand delivered or sent by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to:
(a) If to Cooperative:
SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
585 Highway 142 South
P.O. Box 251
Eldorado, IL 62930
Attn: President/CEO
(b) If to DG Owner/Operator:
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
The above-listed names, titles, and addresses of either Party may be changed by written notification to the other, notwithstanding Section 18.
19. Invoicing and Payment
Invoicing and payment terms for services associated with this Agreement shall be consistent with applicable Rules.
20. Limitations (No Third-Party Beneficiaries, Waiver, etc.)
This Agreement is not intended to and does not create rights, remedies, or benefits of any character whatsoever in favor of any persons, corporations, associations, or entities other than the Parties, and the obligations herein assumed are solely for the use and benefit of the Parties. This Agreement may not be assigned by the DG Owner/Operator without the prior written consent of the Cooperative as specified in Section 16. The failure of a Party to this Agreement to insist, on any occasion, upon strict performance of any provision of this Agreement will not be considered to waive the obligations, rights, or duties imposed upon the Parties.
21. Headings
The descriptive headings of the various articles and sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and are to be afforded no significance in the interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
22. Multiple Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which is deemed an original but all constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective duly authorized representatives.
SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative Inc. [DG OWNER/OPERATOR NAME]
BY: ______________________________ BY: ___________________________
TITLE: ______________________________ TITLE: ___________________________
DATE: ______________________________ DATE: ___________________________
EXHIBIT A
LIST OF FACILITIES SCHEDULES AND POINTS OF INTERCONNECTION
Facility Schedule No. Name of Point of Interconnection
[Insert Facilities Schedule number and name for each Point of Interconnection]
DG Owner/Operator will, at its own cost and expense, operate, maintain, repair, and inspect, and shall be fully responsible for its Facilities, unless otherwise specified on Exhibit A.
FACILITIES SCHEDULE NO.
[The following information is to be specified for each Point of Interconnection, if applicable]
1. Name:
2. Facilities location:
3. Delivery voltage:
4. Metering (voltage, location, losses adjustment due to metering location, and other:
5. Normal Operation of Interconnection:
6. One line diagram attached (check one):/__________ Yes /________ No
7. Facilities to be furnished by Cooperative:
8. Facilities to be furnished by DG Owner/Operator:
9. Cost Responsibility:
10. Control area interchange point (check one): /_________ Yes /_________ No
11. Supplemental terms and conditions attached (check one): /_________ Yes /_________ No
12. Cooperative rules for DG interconnection attached (check one): /_______ Yes / ______ No
SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative Inc. [DG OWNER/OPERATOR NAME]
BY:________________________________ BY:_______________________________
TITLE:______________________________ TITLE:_____________________________
DATE:______________________________ DATE:_____________________________
