Net Metering
and Interconnection

NET METERING AND INTERCONNECTION Net metering and interconnection overview Large facilities Small facilities Non-qualifying facilities Definitions Distributed generation overview Contact PNM

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PNM is open to allowing its customers to interconnect customer-owned generation systems to the PNM electric distribution system. There are currently more than 400 customer-owned generation systems of various sizes interconnected with PNM's distribution system.

Having customer-controlled distributed generation operating throughout PNM's system is a new consideration in how PNM operates its distribution system. As a result, PNM has developed an interconnection procedure and some minimal interconnection and safety standards to ensure that PNM's distribution system and the customer-owned generation are compatible and safe for both the generation owner and PNM employees.

The procedure is easy. In fact, working with PNM up front can minimize the cost of interconnection.

Interconnection rules and The N.M. Interconnection Manual

Rule 17.9.568 (.pdf) - covers interconnections for qualifying and non-qualifying facilities as large as 10 MW.
The New Mexico Interconnection Manual (.pdf) - to be used in conjuction with Rule 17.9.568 to establish common requirements and a common process for interconnection of generating facilities to a utility.
Rule 17.9.569 (.pdf) - covers interconnections for qualifying and non-qualifying facilities larger than 10 MW.
Rule 17.9.570 (.pdf) - provides guidelines for metering qualifying facilities.

PNM's interconnection process

The interconnection process varies slightly depending on the type and size of the generating system being installed. The differences are due in part to the rules and definitions set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rule that governs cogeneration and small power production.

Summary of definitions
FERC Rule 18 CFR Section 292.203 qualifications (gpoaccess.gov)

Read the following descriptions and select the option that best describes the facility to be interconnected to the PNM power grid.

• Qualifying facility 10 kilowatts or smaller: a facility that meets the FERC qualifications and is 10 kilowatts or smaller in size
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• Qualifying facility more than 10 kilowatts: a facility that meets the FERC qualifications and is larger than 10 kilowatts in size
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• Non-qualifying facilities: a facility of any size that does not meet the FERC qualifications
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