What is DER?

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are energy generation or storage technologies that allow you to produce and consume electricity on your own. Utilizing solar panels, wind, biomass energy, or battery storage you can have less reliance on the electric grid and generate your own renewable energy. ECEC supports DERs as a viable and sound means of meeting electric needs of various consumer groups. We have actively participated in the administrative development of Distributed Energy Resources throughout Wisconsin.

Ready to start producing your own energy? Work with your installer and follow the steps to the right!

GET STARTED

  1. Fill out and sign the Distributed Energy Resource Application Form and return it to our office. The installer also needs to sign this

  2. Fill out and sign the DER Interconnection Agreement and return it to our office.

  3. Pay the Distributed Energy Resource fees

  4. Provide Vernon Electric with proof of the required amount of liability insurance.

  5. Provide Vernon Electric with a site plan showing the location of main pieces of equipment, and a schematic diagram of the entire system.

  6. Provide Vernon Electric with the technical specifications of the inverter and proof that it is UL 1741 or IEEE 1547 compliant.

Vernon Electric Cooperative allows members of the Cooperative to sell excess energy from their renewable energy system to the Cooperative (see Renewable Energy/DG Policy Appendix for buy-back rate).  There is a one-time interconnection charge of $500, which includes any meetings with VEC personnel prior to construction, processing of the application, commissioning and anti-islanding testing - there are no additional monthly charges.  The links below will give you more information in navigating this process:

Cooperative DER Fees

Export Capacity Application Review Fee Engineering Review Fee Distribution System Study Commissioning Fee
20kW or less $300 Cost based Cost based $150
Greater than 20 kW to 200 kW $300 +$10/kW Cost based Cost based $250
Greater than 200 kW to 1,000kW $2,000 + $2/kW Cost based Cost based

$1,000
Greater than 1 MW to 15 MW $4,000 + .50/kW Cost based Cost based $2,500