1

Update on IEEE 1547 Series of Standards for

Distributed Resources Interconnection
Bob Saint, Senior Member, IEEE

AbstractThe IEEE 1547 Series of Standards are a key

reference for Distributed Resources Interconnection. This paper
discusses the Scope and Purpose; current status; and a short
description of the content and limitations of each of the
documents.
Index TermsDistributed Resources Interconnection, IEEE
1547, Distributed Generation Interconnection.

I. INTRODUCTION

HIS paper describes the IEEE 1547 series of standards

and their applicability for electric distribution system
designers and planners; distributed resource manufacturers
and developers; and regulators and policy makers. The IEEE
series of standards is administrated by Standards Coordinating
Committee (SCC) 21, Standards Coordinating Committee on
Fuel Cells, Photovoltaics, Dispersed Generation, and Energy
Storage. Information about all the standards coordinated by
SCC 21 can be found at the SCC 21 web site:
http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/scc21/.
The IEEE 1547 series of standards are often misused. It is
important to understand the limitations and applicability of
each of the standards in the series. In general the IEEE 1547
series of standards deals with the interconnection of
distributed generation or storage of less than 10 MW to utility
distribution systems (defined as Area Electric Power Systems,
or Area EPS). The IEEE 1547 series of standards is not
generation technology specific.
It applies to the
interconnection to the Area EPS equally for all generation
technologies, including reciprocating engines, variable
supplies such as wind and solar generation as well as vehicle
technology interconnection in the vehicle-to-grid mode.
The remainder of this paper describes each of the standards
in the IEEE 1547 series; the scope and purpose; the limitations
and applicability; and the status of completion.

Bob Saint is with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and
is the current Chair of the IEEE P1547.7 Working Group and was the Chair of
the IEEE P1547.2 Working Group when that standard was completed.

978-1-4673-1935-5/12/$31.00 2012 IEEE

II. IEEE 1547 STANDARD FOR INTERCONNECTING

DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES WITH ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS
A. Scope
This standard establishes criteria and requirements for
interconnection of distributed resources (DR) with electric
power systems (EPS).
B. Purpose
This standard provides a uniform standard for
interconnection of distributed resources with electric power
systems. It provides requirements relevant to the performance,
operation, testing, safety considerations, and maintenance of
the interconnection.
The requirements shall be met at the point of common
coupling (PCC), although the devices used to meet these
requirements can be located elsewhere. This standard applies
to interconnection based on the aggregate rating of all the DR
units that are within the Local EPS. The functions of the
interconnection system hardware and software that affect the
Area EPS are required to meet this standard regardless of their
location on the EPS.
The stated specifications and requirements, both technical
and testing, are universally needed for interconnection of DR,
including synchronous machines, induction machines, or
power inverters/converters, and will be sufficient for most
installations.1
C. Limitations and Application
The criteria and requirements in this document are
applicable to all distributed resource technologies, with
aggregate capacity of 10 MVA or less at the PCC,
interconnected to EPSs at typical primary and/or secondary
distribution voltages. Installation of DR on radial primary and
secondary distribution systems is the main emphasis of this
standard, although installation of DR on primary and
secondary network distribution systems is considered. This
standard is written considering that the DR is a 60 Hz source.
This standard does not define the maximum DR
capacity for a particular installation that may be
interconnected to a single PCC or connected to a
given feeder.
This standard does not prescribe DR self-protection or
all operating requirements for DR units.
1
Additional technical requirements and/or tests may be necessary for some
limited situations.

2
This standard does not address planning, designing,
operating, or maintaining the Area EPS.
This standard does not apply to automatic transfer
schemes in which load is transferred between the DR
and the EPS in a momentary make-before-break
operation provided the duration of paralleling
D. Status
This is the Standard that defines the terms and provides
the technical requirements for the interconnection of
distributed resources to the utility distribution system (Area
EPS). This Standard was originally completed in 2003 and
reaffirmed in 2008 without any changes. According to
IEEE procedures, this Standard will be in effect for five
years, or until 2013. This document is relatively small, just
16 pages including the informative Annex A Bibliography,
with the actual technical requirements taking only five
pages. Therefore, additional guidance is necessary to apply
these technical requirements to the Electrical Power System
(EPS).
III. IEEE 1547.1 STANDARD CONFORMANCE TEST
PROCEDURES FOR EQUIPMENT INTERCONNECTING
DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES WITH ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS
A. Scope
This standard specifies the type, production, and
commissioning tests that shall be performed to demonstrate
that the interconnection functions and equipment of the
distributed resources (DR) conform to IEEE Std 1547.
B. Purpose
Interconnection equipment that connects DR to an electric
power system (EPS) must meet the requirements specified in
IEEE Std 1547. Standardized test procedures are necessary to
establish and verify compliance with those requirements.
These test procedures must provide both repeatable results,
independent of test location, and flexibility to accommodate
the variety of DR technologies.
C. Limitations and Application
This standard does not cover testing for safety. Although
this standard does not define a certification process, these tests
may be used as part of such a process.
D. Status
This standard covers the testing procedures to determine if
the interconnection meets the requirements of IEEE 1547.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1741 - Standard for Safety
Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System
Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources
describes the process that Underwriters Laboratories uses to
certify DR Interconnection systems.. UL 1741 is consistent
with IEEE 1547.1 and therefore, UL1741 certified systems are
IEEE 1547 compliant. This Standard was completed in 2005.
It is currently being balloted for reaffirmation. The status of
the ballot is unknown at this time.

IV. IEEE 1547.2 IEEE APPLICATION GUIDE FOR IEEE STD

1547, IEEE STANDARD FOR INTERCONNECTING
DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES WITH ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS
A. Scope
This guide provides technical background and application
details to support understanding of IEEE Std 1547-2003.
A. Purpose
This document facilitates the use of IEEE Std 1547-2003 by
characterizing the various forms of distributed resource (DR)
technologies and the associated interconnection issues.
Additionally, the background and rationale of the technical
requirements are discussed in terms of the operation of the DR
interconnection.
This document provides guidelines to
facilitate the interoperability of one or more DR
interconnected with the electric power system (EPS).
Presented in the document are technical descriptions and
schematics, applications guidance, and interconnection
examples to enhance the use of IEEE Std 1547-2003.
B. Limitations and Application
This guide applies to all DR technologies of aggregate
capacity of 10 MVA or less at the point of common coupling
(PCC) that are interconnected with an area EPS at typical
primary or secondary distribution voltage. This guide does not
define the maximum DR capacity for a particular installation
that may be interconnected with a single PCC or connected to
a given feeder.
This guide is not a design handbook. It is not intended
to provide comprehensive information about specific
topics of power engineering or DR or EPS
engineering necessary for successful interconnection
of DR with an area EPS. The examples provided are
not exhaustive or prescriptive.
This guide does not provide guidance on how to meet
business or tariff issues. However, it does recognize
that these are important to the interconnection of DR.
This guide assumes that the DR is a 60 Hz source (to
be consistent with IEEE Std 1547-2003), although
the principles could apply to other frequencies.
This guide does not apply to automatic transfer
schemes in which load is transferred between a DR
and an area EPS in a momentary make-before-break
operation if the duration of paralleling is less than
100 ms. However, it does address installation and
application considerations that may be useful when
designing specific installations that use this type of
product.
This guide does not interpret IEEE Std 1547-2003 or
other standards in the IEEE 1547 series and does not
provide additional requirements or recommended
practices related to those other IEEE 1547 standards.
This guide does not provide a guarantee that IEEE
1547 requirements will be met.
C. Status
The format and initial content of this guide is based on the
Application
Guide
for
Distributed
Generation

3
Interconnection - The NRECA Guide to IEEE 1547. The
content was updated and expanded by the IEEE working
group and published as an IEEE Application Guide in
December, 2008.
V. IEEE 1547.3 - GUIDE FOR MONITORING, INFORMATION
EXCHANGE AND CONTROL OF DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES
INTERCONNECTED WITH ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS
A. Scope
This document provides guidelines for monitoring,
information exchange, and control of distributed resources
(DR) interconnected with electric power systems (EPSs).
B. Purpose
This document provides guidelines to facilitate the
interoperability of one or more DR interconnected with EPSs.
It describes functionality, parameters, and methodologies for
MIC of DR interconnected with or associated with EPSs. DR
technologies include fuel cells, photovoltaics, wind turbines,
microturbines, and other distributed generators as well as
distributed energy storage systems.
This guide documents alternatives for sound practice based
on current practice and includes both legacy and new MIC
systems.
C. Limitations and Application
This guide is primarily concerned with MIC between DR
units and the outside world. It is not intended for MIC within
a device or among the components that make up a DR unit.
The data exchanges between the distributed resource
controller and equipment or entities internal to the local
electric power system are not addressed in this guide. Refer to
1.7 for clarification. The many potential paths of data
exchanges among individual stakeholders are also beyond the
focus of this document. This guide does not establish
requirements for interconnection, protection, safety, or local
and area EPS operation functions.
D. Status
Many of the information identified in this guide for data
exchange has been included in IEC 61850. This guide was
completed in 2007. It comes due for reaffirmation in 2012.
VI. IEEE 1547.4 GUIDE FOR DESIGN, OPERATION, AND
INTEGRATION OF DISTRIBUTED RESOURCE ISLAND SYSTEMS
WITH ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS
A. Scope
T his document provides alternative approaches and good
practices for the design, operation, and integration of
distributed resource (DR) island systems with electric power
systems (EPS). This includes the ability to separate from and
reconnect to part of the area EPS while providing power to the
islanded EPSs. This guide includes the distributed resources,
interconnection systems, and participating electric power
systems.

B. Purpose
This guide is intended to be used by EPS designers,
operators, system integrators, and equipment manufacturers.
The document is intended to provide an introduction overview
and address engineering concerns of DR island systems. It is
relevant to the design, operation, and integration of DR Island
Systems. Implementation of this guide will expand the
benefits of using DR by targeting improved reliability and
build upon the interconnection requirements of IEEE Std
1547.
C. Limitations and Application
This document applies only to situations in which the area
EPS operator has agreed to participate in intentional island
operation. The criteria and requirements are applicable to the
DR and the portion of the area EPS that are to be incorporated
into a planned island. Planned area EPS islands use portions
of radial distribution systems, both primary and secondary.
This guide does not establish DR reserve levels for a
specific planned island.
The aggregate generating capacity within the DR
island system is not restricted by this document.
Each individual point of common coupling (PCC) is
limited to 10 MVA (per IEEE Std 1547).
This guide does not presume that an area EPS operator
desires to establish planned islands on any portion of
the area EPS that is normally connected to the
balance of the area EPS.
This guide does not presume that all DR located within
an area EPS operators planned island wish to or
must participate.
This guide does not provide operational procedures for
establishing and operating a planned island.
This guide does not cover all possible contingencies
(e.g., loss of control communications back to the area
EPS) that may result in the cessation of planned
island operations.
This guide does not cover contractual or regulatory
considerations.
D. Status
This guide was completed and approved in June, 2011.
VII. IEEE 1547.5 - TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR
INTERCONNECTION OF ELECTRIC POWER SOURCES GREATER
THAN 10 MVA TO THE POWER TRANSMISSION GRID
A. Scope
This document provides guidelines regarding the technical
requirements, including design construction, commissioning
acceptance
testing
and
maintenance/performance
requirements, for interconnecting dispatchable electric power
sources with a capacity of more than 10 MVA to a bulk power
transmission grid.

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B. Purpose
The purpose of this project is to provide technical
information and guidance to all parties involved in the
interconnection of dispatchable electric power sources to a
transmission grid about the various considerations needed to
be evaluated for establishing acceptable parameters such that
the interconnection is technically correct.
C. Status
The Project Authorization Request (PAR) for this guide
was issued in 2004 and has been extended until December 31,
2011. There has been little work on the guide accomplished
so far. If there is no work completed by the time the PAR
extension expires, then the working group assigned to this
project will probably be disbanded.
Because of the
increasingly importance of filling this gap in the standards,
hopefully a new PAR will then be established and a new,
more active, working group formed.
VIII. IEEE 1547.6 - RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR
INTERCONNECTING DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES WITH ELECTRIC
POWER SYSTEMS DISTRIBUTION SECONDARY NETWORKS
A. Scope
This standard builds upon IEEE Standard 1547 for the
interconnection of distributed resources (DR) to distribution
secondary network systems. This standard establishes
recommended criteria, requirements and tests, and provides
guidance for interconnection of distribution secondary
network system types of area electric power systems (Area
EPS) with distributed resources (DR) providing electric power
generation in local electric power systems (Local EPS).
B. Purpose
This standard focuses on the technical issues associated
with the interconnection of Area EPS distribution secondary
networks with a Local EPS having DR generation. The
standard provides recommendations relevant to the
performance, operation, testing, safety considerations, and
maintenance of the interconnection. In this standard
consideration is given to the needs of the Local EPS to be able
to provide enhanced service to the DR owner loads as well as
to other loads served by the network. Equally, the standard
addresses the technical concerns and issues of the Area EPS.
Further, this standard identifies communication and control
recommendations and provides guidance on considerations
that will have to be addressed for such DR interconnections.
C. Status
This guide is currently in the balloting process. A task
force has addressed all the comments and as of this writing,
a recirculation of the ballot is forthcoming that addresses
the comments received. The balloting pool will have a
chance to change their vote and/or make comments based
on the changes made to the guide. It is projected that this
guide be approved and published by IEEE before the end of
2011.

IX. IEEE P1547.7 - DRAFT GUIDE TO CONDUCTING

DISTRIBUTION IMPACT STUDIES FOR DISTRIBUTED RESOURCE
INTERCONNECTION
A. Scope
This guide describes criteria, scope, and extent for
engineering studies of the impact on area electric power
systems of a distributed resource or aggregate distributed
resource interconnected to an area electric power distribution
system.
B. Purpose
The creation of IEEE Std 1547 "IEEE Standard for
Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power
Systems" has led to the increased adoption of DR throughout
distribution systems. This document describes a methodology
for performing engineering studies of the potential impact of a
distributed resource interconnected to an area electric power
distribution system. Study scope and extent are described as
functions of identifiable characteristics of the distributed
resource, the area electric power system, and the
interconnection. Criteria are described for determining the
necessity of impact mitigation.
Establishment of this guide allows distributed resource
owners, interconnection contractors, area electric distribution
power system owners and operators, and regulatory bodies to
have a described methodology for when distribution system
impact studies are appropriate, what data is required, how they
are performed, and how the study results are evaluated. In the
absence of such guidelines, the necessity and extent of DR
interconnection impact studies has been widely and
inconsistently defined and applied.
C. Status
The working group for this proposed guide is very active
and has been meeting 2-3 times a year face-to-face and as a
number of writing groups via conference call or web
conference since early 2009. Comments have been received
and discussed by the working group on Draft 4.1. It is
anticipated that balloting will occur during 2011. It is
recognized that this guide will fill a vital gap in giving
information for utility distribution system planners to perform
studies to evaluate the impact of the installation of a
distributed resource on the distribution system.
X. IEEE P1547.8 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR
ESTABLISHING METHODS AND PROCEDURES THAT PROVIDE
SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
FOR EXPANDED USE OF IEEE STANDARD 1547
A. Scope
This recommended practice applies to the requirements set
forth in IEEE Std 1547 and provides recommended methods
that may expand the usefulness and uniqueness of IEEE Std
1547 through the identification of innovative designs,
processes, and operational procedures.

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B. Purpose

XIII. BIOGRAPHY

The purpose of the methods and procedures provided in this

recommended practice is to provide more flexibility in
determining the design and processes used in expanding the
implementation strategies used for interconnecting distributed
resources with electric power systems. Further, based on IEEE
Std 1547 requirements, the purpose of this recommended
practice is to provide the knowledge base, experience, and
opportunities for greater utilization of the interconnection and
its applications.
C. Status
The working group for this recommended practice first met in
August, 2010 and has so produced version 1 of a Resource
Document as a result of that first meeting and subsequent
writing groups conference calls and web conferences. This
document will be, in part, a result of a NIST Smart Grid
Interoperability Panel (SGIP) Priority Action Plan (PAP) task
identified to fill the gap in the IEEE 1547 Standard as a result
of a high penetration of distributed resources being installed
on distribution systems. The interconnection of distributed
resources and storage on distribution systems is considered
one of the characteristics of the smart grid.
XI. CONCLUSION
The IEEE 1547 series of standards is an ongoing process.
As the need becomes evident, more guidance or recommended
practice documents may be added to assure that the IEEE
1547 standard remains timely, relevant and useful to those that
interconnect all technologies of distributed resources to the
electric grid. It is important to be aware of the status of the
activities of the working groups within the IEEE 1547 series
of standards and also be aware of the limitations and the
applicability of each of the documents within this series. Most
of all, it is important to be involved in the working groups if
you have expertise or interest in the outcome of the guides,
recommended practices and standards being produced.
XII. REFERENCES
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]

IEEE Std 1547-2003 (R2008). IEEE Standard for Interconnecting

Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems. Reaffirmed 25
September 2008.
IEEE Std 1547.1-2005. IEEE Standard Conformance Test Procedures
for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric
Power Systems. Approved 9 June 2005.
IEEE Std 1547.2-2008. IEEE Application Guide for IEEE Std
1547, IEEE Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with
Electric Power Systems. Approved 10 December 2008.
IEEE Std 1547.3-2007. IEEE Guide for Monitoring, Information
Exchange, and Control of Distributed Resources Interconnected with
Electric Power Systems. Approved 17 May 2007.
IEEE Std 1547.4-2011. IEEE Guide for Design, Operation, and
Integration of Distributed Resource Island Systems with Electric Power
Systems. Approved 16 June 2011.

Bob Saint is a Principal Distribution

Engineer in the Energy & Environmental
Policy Department at the National Rural
Electric
Cooperative
Association
(NRECA). Bob has been with NRECA
for over 10 years. His primary role is
technical
advisor
for
the
T&D
Engineering Committee. He works with
the System Planning Subcommittee and
the soon to be formed Smart Grid Subcommittee. He is also
the Program Manager for the MultiSpeak Software
Integration Initiative. Bob is a member of the GridWise
Architecture Council (GWAC) and on the Governing Board
of the NIST Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP).
Bob graduated from Wichita State University in Wichita,
Kansas, with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering.
He has worked for rural electric co-ops, primarily
distribution cooperatives for over 20 years in Colorado before
coming to NRECA.
He is a Professional Engineer in Texas and Virginia and a
senior member of IEEE. He is very active in several IEEE
working groups relating to Distributed Generation
Interconnection, Smart Grid, Distribution and Power Quality.