Installation steps for customers connecting home backup systems powered by a standalone energy storage system, including an electric vehicle (EV).
Note: Not all EVs are required to apply. This only applies to electric vehicles with the capability of being used as a home backup. See details of our EV pilot program for additional credits.
Residential EV pilot program
Steps for battery backup or electric vehicle home backup
There are two types of backup systems — those operating in grid-isolated mode and those operating in grid-connected mode.
Our backup system interconnection process applies to those operating in grid-isolated mode, meaning the vehicle and/or energy storage system are not connected to the grid at the time of exporting power. Grid-isolated systems are also known as vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-building (V2B).
- Customers using grid-isolated systems must follow our standards and complete the Backup Generation Application. It is not required to meet interconnection requirements from Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC 119).
Exception: If the energy storage is paired with another generation source, such as solar, interconnection requirements from PSC 119 do apply.
- Grid-isolated customers also must complete a service change application, so we can evaluate the distribution system for additional load.
Systems operating in grid-connected mode must follow Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Interconnection Requirements (PSC 119). This includes systems commonly known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), which operates parallel to the grid at the time of exporting power.
Customer and installer responsibilities
- Design, installation, operation and maintenance of connected vehicle or energy storage home backup system.
- Follow processes outlined here, as well as applicable laws and regulations (local, state and federal).
- Obtain and pay for all authorizations, permits and licenses required for construction and operation of the facilities.
- Use specified protective devices in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, equipment listing and any applicable laws.
- Agree to address any existing hazards/code issues with the electrical metering/service equipment.
- Notify us and follow requirements if a settings change will be made to enable the energy storage system or EV charging system to be grid interactive as required in PSC 119.
- Notify us if a material modification is made to the energy storage or vehicle charging system at any time during or after the installation process. A material modification is anything that changes the maximum electrical output of the customer facility or changes the metering/service equipment.
Our responsibilities
We will promptly carry out our role in the interconnection steps and meet all required timelines to process your interconnection application. We will provide you with any information you need to complete your interconnection.
Customer steps
- Email us with questions.
- Fill out required applications:
Backup Generation Application
Service Change Application (residential)
Service Change Application (commercial)
- Submit application and required materials to one of the following:
Email: CustomerGen@wisconsinpublicservice.com
Mail: Wisconsin Public Service
Attn: Christine Behnke
134 MacArthur Drive
Coleman WI 54112
Requirements for Backup Generation Application
Need help? Use our Backup Generation Manual
- Application (no application fee)
- One-line diagram
- Site plan
- Specification sheets for inverter, battery and control device
- Photos of existing metering equipment
Requirements for Service Change Application
- Service Change Application
- Complete load list for existing and new load
- Application review
Backup generation application
- Expect 10 working days of review for new or revised applications.
- If application is incomplete, customer must resubmit with corrections.
- Customer will receive a letter of acknowledgement, if applicable.
Service change application
- Customer will be notified of construction or modification costs.
- Customer provides written agreement to pay for work; submits applicable payment related to load addition modifications.
- Installation
- Install vehicle and/or energy storage system within mutually agreed upon timeframe.
- Notify us when project construction is complete.
- If necessary, we complete distribution upgrades identified in service change application
- System testing and compliance
Commissioning requirements
- Residential systems: not required
- Commercial systems: required, no cost
Inspection and installation photos required for all systems
- Picture of the meter and disconnect being next-to or within sight of each other.
- Picture of the islanding equipment, such as Tesla Powershare or Ford’s MID device.
- Final acceptance
- We provide written statement of final acceptance.
- Customer notifies us of any material modifications in the future.
Additional resources
