Notification to Customers
In compliance with Owatonna Public Utilities’ (OPU) adopted rules relating to cogeneration and small power production, OPU is obligated to interconnect with, and purchase electricity from, co-generators and small power producers that satisfy the conditions as a qualifying facility. OPU is obligated to provide information regarding rates and interconnection requirements free of charge to all interested customers upon request. All interconnections require an application and approval to become a qualifying facility. Any disputes over interconnection, sales, and purchases relative to qualifying facilities should be brought to the Owatonna Public Utilities Commission for resolution, per Owatonna Public Utilities Distributed Generation Rules adopted 03/01/2018. Interested customers should contact Jared Hendricks, OPU’s Energy Conservation & Key Accounts Officer, by mail at P.O. Box 800, Owatonna, MN 55060; by email; or by phone at 507-451-2480.
Adding distributed energy resources (DER – aka Solar) to your home or business is one way to reduce your carbon footprint. Connecting a DER requires working with your utility by completing the proper paperwork that helps OPU ensure the safety of the distribution system for all our customers.
Contractors often help a prospective customer fill out the correct paperwork, but it is your responsibility to make sure they are doing so on your behalf. Please make sure to work with your contractor to fill out the correct application and review the correct process. Application and interconnection fees are determined by which process your system falls under and are indicated on the correct documents. Application fees are due at the time your application is submitted.
Please remember to contact the City of Owatonna for a building permit as well.
- 1 – Table of Contents
- 2 – Process Overview Booklet
- 3 – Simple Process Booklet
- 4 – Fast Track Process Booklet
- 5 – Study Process
- 6 – Pre-application Report Request Form
- 8 – Simplified Interconnection Application
- 9 – Standard Interconnection Application
- 10 – Storage Application
- 12 – System Impact Study Agreement
- 13 – Facility Study Agreement
- 14 – Transmission System Impact Study Agreement
- 15 – Uniform Contract
- 16 – Interconnection Agreement
- 17 – Certificate of Completion
- 21 – OPU Distributed Generation/Net Metering Policy
- 22 – OPU Distributed Generation Rules
Information on current solar rebates can be found here. It is encouraged to work with OPU to determine rebate eligibility before signing a contract with a solar developer to make sure your system will qualify for our rebate.
View the City of Owatonna’s Solar Ordinance here.
To learn more about Minnesota renewable energy resources, visit this website.
