Renewable Energy
Solar Programs
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers the Dispersed Power (DPP) program as part of its renewable energy efforts. This program allows qualifying Small Power Producers with a renewable power system (up to 80 MW), or Cogeneration Facilities to connect to, and sell power to TVA.
Once connected, a qualifying facility can use the power for itself and sell any extra power to TVA. There is a set monthly cost based on TVA’s forecasted avoided cost (avoided cost simply means the wholesale rate TVA projects for itself with no incentives or retail mark-up).
Programs like the DPP program support TVA’s and REU’s efforts to promote energy efficiency, increase renewable energy (e.g., hydro, wind, and solar) and provide the Valley with low-cost, reliable and clean power.
A safe and reliable connection to the grid can be arranged through REU. To learn more about REU’s process for application and installation of the Dispersed Power program, please review the following FAQ’s and our Solar Installation Workflow below.
Please keep in mind, your system cannot be energized until all steps are complete and you have received final approval from REU.
Make an informed decision regarding solar
Considering Solar For Your Home Or Business?
Solar FAQ's
Solar panels represent an alternate source of generation installed and interconnected to Rockwood Electric Utility’s (REU’s) electrical distribution system. Whether intentional or not, electricity may flow back onto our system. All of our practices are intended to ensure, as best we can, the quality of installations and testing for the protection of our employees and the public when alternate sources of generation are interconnected to our system. Rockwood Electric Utility has a policy on “Standby and Resale Service,” which states: “Customers with solar generation beyond the metering point must sign an interconnection agreement with the Utility and follow the safety provisions for connecting the local system to the Utility’s electrical system.” Although programs such as TVA’s Green Connect Program and others have ended or are being discontinued, REU may still follow, as closely as possible, the same or similar policies and procedures.
A. Rockwood Electric Utility desires its customers that are considering solar to view solar education materials such as can be found on our website under the “Resources” tab. We strongly suggest that customers run the “Solar Calculator” which can be accessed through our website or directly at https://edt.tva.gov/ along with answers to other “Solar FAQs”.
B. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has a lot of information on renewables and we encourage customers to visit their public website for additional information.
C. A customer considering solar must contact REU’s Customer Service Department so that a Service Order can be generated to track the project. A representative will confirm your account information and get additional information which may be required. All future work will be scheduled through our Customer Service Department.
Yes. Please allow a minimum of 10 working days for review by REU. To avoid additional analysis and studies of the customer’s existing transformer and service, REU strongly encourages systems to be sized where the customer uses all the energy they generate or for storage (i.e., batteries). Very little, if any, energy should flow back to the grid and without benefit to the customer.
As a minimum, submittals must include a site plan, an electrical one-line diagram specific to the installation (i.e., not generic), elevations, specification sheets, data sheets, and other manufacturer’s information specific to the project. Photographs of the existing service entrance equipment are helpful. Other documents may be requested during the review process.
REU believes that the rate payers should not subsidize expenses generated by private concerns or for the cost of non-standard services and installations such as solar. Currently, there is a $500.00 application fee which is non-refundable and which covers the cost of plan reviews and processing of the application. Rockwood Electric uses in-house personnel along with a certified engineer from TVA’s Comprehensive Services staff for commissioning. The commissioning fee is based on their hourly rate and the average number of hours to do the commissioning and prepare reports. At the present time, the fee is $600.00. Other fees may apply depending on the complexity of the installation. REU reserves the right to modify its fees from time-to-time to reflect its expenses.
One or more invoices will be mailed to you for the various fees. Several payment methods are available including cash, check, or credit/debit card. Please contact our Customer Service Department to discuss payment of fees.
A cut loose for underground or overhead in order to modify or change the electrical service entrance in any way must be scheduled at least 10 working days in advance through the service order process. All work must be coordinated with the state electrical inspector. All REU work must be conducted within normal business hours to avoid additional charges.
No. Pulling the meter follows the same request procedure as a “line drop” or “cut loose”. Customers and/or their contractors must not cut meter seals. There is a tampering fee.
Rockwood Electric requires a “same day” inspection before reconnect. We do not have a “work with” policy.
After inspections and commissioning are complete.
A customer may get a service release if work is required on the electrical service as part of “make-ready” and before all the solar equipment is installed. Both a final inspection AND commissioning are required before we complete the order.