Permission to interconnect with the Cooperative or CIPCO electric system is contingent upon the following conditions:

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• The member-owner shall comply with acceptable standards for interconnection, safety, and operating reliability. Acceptable standards include the most current revisions of the following, as adopted in the Iowa Administrative Code section 199-15.10(1), in order to be eligible for interconnection to the Cooperative or CIPCO electric system:
  • Standards for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems, ANSI/IEEE Standard -. For guidance in applying IEEE Standard , the Cooperative may refer to:
    • IEEE Recommended Practices and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electrical Power Systems - IEEE Standard 519-; and
    • IEC/TR3 -3-7 Assessment of emission limits for fluctuating loads in MV and HV power systems.
  • Iowa Electrical Safety Code, as defined in 199—Chapter 25.
  • National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 .

• The member-owner’s facility shall meet the standards for interconnection as set forth in the Model Interconnection Agreements and the attachments thereto. Said Model Agreements are attached hereto as Appendices B and E.

• The member-owner shall agree to indemnify and defend the Cooperative and CIPCO and their representatives against liability for any injuries or damages caused by the operation of the member-owners's equipment or by any failure of the member-owner to maintain such equipment in satisfactory or safe operating condition. The member-consumer will arrange for and maintain liability insurance with limits of not less than those set forth in the attached appendices, with the insurance requirements varying depending upon the size of the interconnecting generator. Failure to maintain required insurance or proof of financial responsibility shall be cause for disconnection. The Cooperative and CIPCO shall be named as additional insureds, to the extent specified in the attached appendices.

• The member-owner shall reimburse the Cooperative or CIPCO for costs incurred by the Cooperative or CIPCO for all costs of connection, switching, metering, transmission, distribution, safety provisions and administrative costs incurred by the Cooperative or CIPCO directly related to the installation and maintenance of the physical facilities necessary to permit interconnected operations with a qualifying facility (or qualifying alternate energy production facilities, or qualifying small hydro facilities), to the extent the costs are in excess of the corresponding costs which the Cooperative or CIPCO would have incurred if it had not engaged in interconnected operations, but instead generated an equivalent amount of electric energy itself or purchased an equivalent amount of electric energy or capacity from other sources. Interconnection costs do not include any costs included in the calculation of avoided costs.

• The member-owner shall agree to discontinue sales to Cooperative/CIPCO when, due to operational circumstances, purchases from the member-owner will result in CIPCO costs greater than those which CIPCO would incur if it did not make such purchases, but instead generated an equivalent amount of energy, provided, however, that CIPCO shall notify the member-owner within a reasonable amount of time to allow the member-owner to cease the delivery of energy.

• The applicant and the Cooperative shall execute the applicable Model Interconnection Agreement prior to interconnection. In the event the applicant desires to sell any excess output from its facility to the Cooperative and/or CIPCO, a separate power purchase agreement shall be required for all interconnections except Level 1. For Level 1 interconnections, the terms of purchase are set out on Attachment 2 to the Level 1 Standard Application Form and Interconnection Agreement.

• The member-owner shall permit Cooperative or CIPCO representatives to enter upon member-owner’s property at any reasonable time for the purpose of inspecting or testing member-owner’s equipment, facilities or apparatus and the accuracy of the Cooperative or CIPCO’s metering equipment, but such inspections shall not relieve the member-owner of the obligation to maintain the member-owner’s facilities in satisfactory operating conditions.
  
  The Cooperative or CIPCO may charge the direct expense of such inspecting or testing of the member-owner’s equipment, facilities or apparatus to the member-owner unless the member-owner can demonstrate the inspecting and testing was not necessary. The member-owner shall adopt a program of inspection of the generator and its appurtenances and the interconnection equipment in order to determine necessity for replacement and repair.
   
• The member-owner shall be responsible for the costs of installation and maintenance of any necessary power factor correction capacitors. Member-owners with a distributed generation facility larger than or equal to 1 MVA shall design their distributed generation facilities to maintain a power factor at the point of interconnection between .95 lagging and .95 leading at all times. Member-owners with a distributed generation facility smaller than 1 MVA shall design their distributed generation facility to maintain a power factor at the point of interconnection between .90 lagging and .90 leading at all times.
   
• The member-owner’s electric generating equipment shall be designed; operated and maintained in such a manner that it does not adversely affect the Cooperative’s or CIPCO’s system or their service to their other members.

You will need to determine which Level of interconnection you are applying for:

Level 1:

Level 1 Application and Agreement shall be used for all interconnection requests to connect a distributed generation facility when:

• The applicant has filed a Level 1 application; and
• The distributed generation facility has a nameplate capacity rating of 10 kVA or less; and
• The distributed generation facility is inverter-based; and
• The member-owner interconnection equipment proposed for the distributed generation facility is lab-certified; and
• No construction of facilities by the Cooperative or CIPCO shall be required to accommodate the distributed generation facility.

     To remain in Level 1, the following screens must be met:

• For interconnection to a radial distribution circuit, the total of all distributed generation connected may not exceed 15% of the maximum load normally supplied by the circuit
• For interconnection on a single-phase shared secondary line, the aggregate generation capacity on the line will not exceed 20 kVA
• When the distributed generation facility is single-phase and proposes to interconnect on a center tap neutral of a 240 volt service, its addition may not create an imbalance between the 2 sides of the 240 volt service of more than 20% of nameplate rating of the service transformer
• Utility shall not be required to construct any facilities on its own system to accommodate the distributed generation facility's interconnection
• For interconnection to a spot network, distributed generation will use protective equipment to ensure power imported from utility to the network will remain above 1% of the network's maximum load over the last year

Level 2:

Level 2 Application and Agreement shall be used for evaluating interconnection requests when:

• The applicant has filed a Level 2 application; and
• The nameplate capacity rating is 150 kVA or less; and
• The interconnection equipment proposed for the distributed generation facility is lab-certified; and
• The proposed interconnection is to a radial distribution circuit or a spot network limited to serving one member-owner; and
• No construction of facilities by the Cooperative or CIPCO shall be required to accommodate the distributed generation facility, other than minor modifications permitted by the Cooperative.

     To remain in Level 2, the following screens must be met:

• For interconnection to a radial distribution circuit, the total of all distributed generation connected may not exceed 15% of the maximum load normally supplied by the circuit
• The proposed distributed generation, in aggregation with other distributed generation on the distribution circuit, may not contribute more than 10% to the circuit's maximum fault current at the point on the primary line nearest the point of interconnection
• The proposed distributed generation, in aggregation with other distributed generation on the circuit, shall not cause any electric utility distribution devices to be exposed to fault currents exceeding 90% of their short-circuit interrupting capability
• When a distributed generation facility is to be connected to a 3-phase, 3 wire primary line, a 3-phase or single-phase generator shall be connected phase-to-phase
• When a distributed generation facility is to be connected to a 3-phase, 4 wire primary line, a 3-phase or single-phase generator shall be connected line-to-neutral and shall be grounded
• For interconnection on a single-phase shared secondary line, the aggregate generation capacity on the line will not exceed 20 kVA
• When the distributed generation facility is single-phase and proposes to interconnect on a center tap neutral of a 240 volt service, its addition may not create an imbalance between the 2 sides of the 240 volt service of more than 20% of nameplate rating of the service transformer
• A distributed generation facility, in aggregate with other distributed generation facilities interconnected to the distribution side of a substation transformer feeding the circuit where the facility proposed to interconnect, may not exceed 10 MVA in an area where there are transient stability limitations
• Utility shall not be required to construct any facilities on its own system to accommodate the distributed generation facility's interconnection, except minor modifications following agreed upon additional review
• For interconnection to a spot network, distributed generation will use protective equipment to ensure power imported from utility to the network will remain above 1% of the network's maximum load over the last year

Level 3

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Level 3 Application and Agreement shall be used for evaluating interconnection requests to area networks and radial distribution circuits where power will not be exported based on the following criteria.

• For interconnection requests to the load side of an area network, the following criteria shall be satisfied to qualify for a Level 3 expedited review:
  • The applicant has filed a Level 3 application; and
  • The nameplate capacity rating of the distributed generation facility is 50 kVA or less; and
  • The proposed distributed generation facility uses a lab-certified inverter-based equipment package; and
  • The distributed generation facility will use reverse power relays or other protection functions that prevent the export of power into the area network; and
  • The aggregate of all generation on the area network does not exceed the lower of 5 percent of an area network’s maximum load or 50 kVA; and
  • No construction of facilities by the Cooperative or CIPCO shall be required to accommodate the distributed generation facility.
• For interconnection requests to a radial distribution circuit, the following criteria shall be satisfied to qualify for a Level 3 expedited review:
  • The applicant has filed a Level 3 application; and
  • The aggregated total of the nameplate capacity ratings of all of the generators on the circuit, including the proposed distributed generation facility, is less than 150 kVA; and
  • The distributed generation facility will use reverse power relays or other protection functions that prevent power flow onto the electric distribution system; and
  • The distributed generation facility is not served by a shared transformer; and
  • No construction of facilities by the Cooperative or CIPCO on their own systems shall be required to accommodate the distributed generation facility.

 To remain in Level 3, the following screens must be met:

Utilize the same screens as are applicable for level 2 interconnections; except for the one prohibiting the total distributed generation connected to a radial distribution circuit from exceeding 15% of the maximum load normally supplied by the circuit.

Level 4

Level 4 Application and Agreement shall be used for evaluating interconnection requests when:

• The applicant has filed a Level 4 application; and
• The nameplate capacity rating of the small generation facility is 10 MVA or less; and
• Not all of the interconnection equipment or distributed generation facilities being used for the application are lab-certified, or Applicant is unable to comply with level 1 through 3 screens

Please read them carefully and contact us with any questions that you may have.

The Cost of Extending our Lines –

If you want to connect your wind turbine to our lines, the first thing that we would need to do is extend our distribution lines to your unit. We will charge you our cost, but in general it costs $30,000 per mile of line to extend a single-phase circuit and $50,000 per mile to extend a three-phase circuit.

Cost of the Interconnection Point –

The point of interconnection will require a meter that has the capability to record power flowing from us to you and a separate channel to record power flowing from you to us. It must have an automatic disconnection that disconnects your wind turbine anytime we suffer an outage on your circuit. This prevents power from flowing onto our system when our line personnel think that the lines are not energized. We will also require you to have a switch that provides a visible break or opening and is capable of being padlocked in the open position. This is necessary so that our line personnel can isolate your wind turbine when they are working on the lines and know that only they can reconnect your turbine to our system.

A Liability Insurance Policy – 

The interconnection member-owner shall provide the Cooperative with proof that it has a current homeowner’s insurance policy or other general liability policy. The interconnection member-owner agrees to provide the Cooperative with at least 30 calendar days’ advance written notice of cancellation, reduction in limits, or non-renewal of any insurance policy required by this Agreement and may be required to show proof of insurance on an annual basis.

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What Do I Need to Do before Buying a Household Wind Turbine

Two statements have a high probability of being true: (1) Electric prices will increase more quickly than the rate of inflation for several years, and (2) Small wind energy systems require a substantial investment of money and effort. So, is a home wind turbine right for me? If I want to install one, what do I need to do beforehand so I don't waste my money and time? This blog will answer your questions.

Step 1: Find ways to make your home more energy efficient
You wouldn’t buy a new furnace or air conditioner without first insulating your walls or ceiling. Nor should you invest in alternative energy without first reducing your total needs. Start by understanding the value of saving or generating one kilowatt-hour (kWh). Divide your total annual electric bill (minus the monthly customer charges) by the annual kWhs used. Deduct the monthly customer charges because neither conservation nor a wind energy system will offset the entire bill unless you totally disconnect from the grid. For a Midwest Energy residential customer, the customer charges are $156.00 per year. The resulting average price (excluding customer charges) is the value of saving or generating one kWh.

Then, conduct an energy audit of your home to identify ways to use less energy. Implementing energy efficiency measures will almost always offer a quicker return on your investment. Conservation may enhance the viability of a wind turbine project through a lower capital expense associated with a smaller turbine to serve the new lower energy load. 

Step 2: Determine your site suitability and wind resource
Site suitability


Most experts recommend that you have at least one acre of land if you are considering the installation of a small wind system. Smaller parcels may be suitable if adequate tower setbacks can be achieved.

Examine your site for potential turbulence. When wind flows around buildings, trees, and other structures in the landscape, it slows down or becomes turbulent. A wind turbine should be placed in a location where turbulence is minimized. A rule of thumb is that the turbine should be at least 30 feet higher than any obstacle within 300 feet. If growing trees are within this range, plan for their mature height. It also should be placed upwind of buildings and trees relative to the prevailing wind direction.

Wind resource
Wind speed varies from year to year, season to season, with the time of day, and with the height above ground. For a grid-connected wind system, an average annual wind speed of 10 mph is usually considered the cutoff. Most experts recommend average annual wind speeds between Class 2 (11.5 mph at hub height) and Class 4 (13.4 mph at hub height). Class 3 sites have average wind speeds of 12.5 mph at hub height. (Hub height is the distance from the ground to the center of the turbine rotor.)

A small increase in average wind velocity (V) results in a large increase in power produced. Energy output will increase by this ratio: (V2xV2xV2) divided by (V1xV1xV1). A site with an average wind speed of 15 mph contains nearly 54 percent more energy than a site with an average wind speed of 13 mph. The ideal wind resource has relatively stable high speeds. If trees and vegetation are permanently deformed because of constant wind exposure – known as “flagging” – you probably have a good wind resource to generate electricity.

Step 3: Determine your electricity consumption and choose the wind turbine accordingly
Energy output
Midwest Energy can provide a copy of your historic electricity use or you can check your monthly statement. With this information, the dealer/installer can help you select a turbine size and tower height. Don’t assume the turbine should supply 100 percent of your needs. That question should be answered by an economic analysis.

Most small turbine manufacturers provide an estimated monthly energy output in kilowatthours (kWh) based on the wind resource you determined in Step 2. Experts caution consumers about taking these figures at face value, however. There are no industry-wide standards for comparing wind turbine performance.

A researcher at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) developed this estimating formula that uses rotor size and wind speed: annual energy output in kWh = 0. x rotor diameter (feet) squared x average wind speed (mph) cubed. That is, annual kWh = 0. x D x D x V x V x V, where D = rotor diameter (feet) and V = average wind speed (mph).

Turbine features Once you know how much electricity you want your wind generator to produce, monthly or annually, you can look at the specifications of all turbines matching that output. Features to consider include the rotor diameter and the turbine’s revolutions per minute (rpm). Turbines with a lower rpm tend to be quieter and may last longer. The amount of power that a turbine can produce is determined mainly by the diameter of its rotor and its tower height. The diameter defines the rotor’s swept area – the quantity of wind intercepted by the turbine. The larger and higher the swept area (the area through which the rotor blades spin) of the generator’s rotor, the more electricity it can produce if the rotor and generator sizes are properly matched. Swept area is the feature that will help you compare the potential output of one wind generator with another.

Tower height
One of the most common installation mistakes is mounting a wind turbine on a tower that is too short. Remember the rule of thumb for tower height: the wind generator should be at least 30 feet above any trees, buildings, or other structures within 300 feet. Are nearby trees still growing? Plan ahead! Taller towers result in higher wind generation because of reduced ground drag. An additional 40 feet on a tower can substantially increase the power available and return the incremental initial investment with greater energy generation revenues over the lifetime of the turbine. But, taller towers are more expensive.

An equation for estimating wind velocity at a different height is: V2 = V1 * (H2/H1)n , where n = 0.15 for short grass or fallow ground, and n = 0.20 for tall row crops or low woods. Remember that available energy varies with the cube of wind velocity. So for typical Western Kansas conditions, changing tower heights results in these differences in available energy compared to a tower 100 feet tall:

• 120 feet: add 8 to 10 percent to output at 100 feet
• 80 feet: deduct 10 to 11 percent from output at 100 feet
• 60 feet: deduct 21 to 24 percent from output at 100 feet

Other considerations
Look for turbines with a good track record and a good warranty – five years, if possible. Some experts believe that weight matters; in their view, the heavier the machine, the more robust it is. They say a heavy-duty wind generator is more likely to handle sites with stronger winds or turbulence than a lighter turbine. But lighter weight turbines typically have lower “cut-in” wind speeds and produce more power in lower winds.

Step 5: Determine estimated installed cost of system and calculate savings and payback
A very general rule of thumb for estimating the cost of a small wind system is $3 to $5 per installed watt ($3,000 to $5,000 per kW), but it can be higher, especially on smaller systems. The total installed cost is the cost of the wind generator and tower plus the cost of permitting, installation, and interconnection to the grid. 

Step 6: Find a small wind system dealer/installer
You might want to start looking for an installer by asking any current small wind system owners in your area for references. In addition, contact the manufacturer of the wind turbine you are interested in for recommendations and suggestions for authorized installers.

Contact at least three installers for quotes for the equipment and installation. Be sure to ask for references, licenses and certifications, proof of insurance, and a performance bond. Question any quote that appears to be too high or too low. Some questions to ask when considering an installer are:

• Does the company have experience installing grid-connected systems? What models? Does the company use licensed and certified contractors? Is the company insured?
• Does the company have any consumer complaints, judgments, or liens against it?
• Will the company help with the applications required by the local building permitting agency and the utility for grid-connected systems?
• How much, if any, of the work will be contracted out? 
• When will construction begin and how long will it take?
• What warranty is offered on the installation (covering workmanship for tower and turbine assembly, electrical, and foundation work)? Will company provide a performance bond?
• Does the company do service and repairs on the equipment?
• Will the company provide references of previous consumers?

After knowing the above, I believe you have already made your judgment. If you are sure that you are ready to install and use a wind turbine for your home, we also offer inexpensive, high quality wind turbines in a variety of types and sizes. Buy a household wind turbine now! We also provide fast delivery and considerate after-sales service to help you utilize clean energy.