Interconnection Policy

A DER is any device or system that generates or stores electrical energy interconnected to the utility electrical distribution system. DER technologies can include photovoltaic solar systems, wind turbines, energy storage batteries, diesel generators, etc., and are not limited to renewable technologies.

Cass County Electric Cooperative has adopted rules pertaining to the interconnection of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) to the electrical distribution system. It is required that the process be followed for any interconnection of a DER to the electrical distribution system. CCEC has two Board approved policies that pertain to the interconnection of renewable generation to the CCEC electric distribution system.

Net-billing Policy Distributed Energy Resource Policy

The following documents have been prepared to explain the process of interconnecting a generation system with Cass County Electric Cooperative. They contain general overview information, including the process that needs to be followed to connect to CCEC's distribution system and the technical requirements that need to be followed.

Interconnection process document provides a comprehensive explanation of the interconnection process and requirements across all sizes of interconnections, up to 10 MW.
Technical requirement document is designed to provide technical requirements for renewable, storage, and fossil fuel DER systems specific to the Area Electric Power System Operator.

Applications for Interconnection Tracks Based on DER Size: The process and associated documents below are established based on the size (rating) of the DER system and the type of interconnection. These forms can be downloaded electronically, and the data blanks filled in electronically. Click on and fill out the appropriate application and return to:

DER Coordinator
Cass County Electric Cooperative
4100 32nd Ave S
Fargo, ND 58104

Tier I application Up to 20KW inverter-based systems - extended parallel.

Tier II application Up to 10 MW standby systems - open/closed transision, limited parallel, no extended parallel.

Tier III application 20 KW to 10 MW systems - extended parallel.

If you have any questions regarding the interconnection of a generation system to Cass County Electric's system, please call our engineering and operations department at 701-356-4455 (toll-free at 800-248-3293) or contact us here.

Anything that impedes sunlight reaching the elements internal to solar panels will hinder generation. A cloudy sky, fog, and rain will significantly reduce solar generation, but may not totally prevent it. Snow or ice directly on the panels will significantly reduce solar generation, and if completely snow or ice covered, likely completely impede generation.

Your DER system must be inspected and approved by a North Dakota licensed electrical inspector and final on-site inspection by Cass County Electric Cooperative, prior to being provided approval to operate. This applies to all systems interconnected to the distribution system, either behind the service meter or grid-connected, and whether completed by a home or business owner or a hired contractor.

The power produced by a member-owned DER system will offset power that would otherwise be purchased from Cass County Electric Cooperative. If the system produces more power than the member consumes, CCEC will provide net energy credit for excess kilowatt-hour (kWh) generation. Depending on the rate schedule elected by the member in the Net Billing Agreement, CCEC will either purchase the excess kWh generation or credit the account.

Members with DER systems still have charges on their bill that offset the net energy credit, such as the cost of basic service, energy usage, yard lights, taxes and fees.

It is the responsibility of the member and contractor to determine the optimal solar system nameplate capacity to fit the member’s needs.

Yes. Cass County Electric Cooperative does not require the applicant to contract with a supplier to install the system. However, the applicant is still required to follow the interconnection process starting with the application and approval and must have the completed system pass inspection by a State of North Dakota qualified electrical inspector and final inspection and witness test by CCEC.

Members with DER systems still have charges on their bill that offset the net energy credit, such as the cost of basic service, energy usage, yard lights, taxes and fees.

It is the responsibility of the member and contractor to determine the optimal solar system nameplate capacity to fit the member’s needs.

Interconnection Policy

Contact Us

Quick Links

Interconnection Policy

How is the system size determined?

Can I construct it on the ground or only roof top?

Does CCEC install solar?

Do panels work with snow on them?

How much does solar cost?

How long do panels last?

Will you buy back my excess electricity?

Do I need to have it inspected?

Am I limited in system size by how much electricity I use?

Do you have contractors you recommend?

Will I still have an electrical bill?

Can I install it myself?

Do you rebate/incentivize solar?

How do you read what excess electricity my system produces?

Do I need a production meter?

Can my contractor or electrician cut the meter seal and remove the CCEC meter if needed to complete wiring and installation of my solar or storage system?

I am installing a generator at my home to serve as an emergency power source. Do i need to go through the interconnection process?

Do you have information/websites to learn about solar?

Contact Us

Quick Links