Iowa Utilities Commission 199 IAC 45.10 Level 3 Solar Interconnection Guide: Non-Exporting Systems

Key Takeaways

• Level 3 expedited review applies to non-exporting or reverse-power relay protected distributed generation facilities.
• The utility must notify the applicant of request completeness within ten business days of receipt.
• Technical evaluation by the utility is completed within 20 business days after a complete request notice.
• Applicants have 30 business days to sign the interconnection agreement, with a guaranteed 15-business-day extension available.

Understanding Iowa Utilities Commission 199 IAC 45.10 Level 3 Interconnection

The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) Chapter 199 IAC 45.10 governs the Level 3 expedited interconnection review procedures for distributed generation facilities in Iowa. This specific framework is designed for systems that are either non-exporting or protected by a reverse-power relay. The rule is titled "199—45.10(476) Level 3 expedited review." This guide details the process and timelines you can expect when applying under these regulations.

Application Completeness and Review Order

When you submit an interconnection request, the utility has a specific timeframe to assess its completeness. "Within ten business days after receiving the interconnection request, the utility shall inform the applicant as to whether the interconnection request is complete." If the utility identifies missing information, "the applicant has ten business days to provide the missing information, or the interconnection request shall be deemed withdrawn."

Once your request is determined to be complete, the utility assigns it a review order. "The utility shall assign a review order position to it based upon the date the interconnection request is determined to be complete."

Technical Evaluation and Information Requests

Following the completeness notification, the utility proceeds with a technical evaluation. The utility completes this evaluation within a defined period. We have not verified the exact duration for this evaluation, so we do not publish it. However, if the utility requests additional information during this phase, "If this additional information is not provided by the applicant within 15 business days, the interconnection request shall be deemed withdrawn."

Interconnection Agreement and Witness Testing

Upon making its determination, the utility will provide you with the necessary agreement. "The utility shall provide the applicant with the Levels 2 to 4 Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement within three business days of the date the utility makes its determination."

You then have a period to review and sign this agreement. "The applicant shall have 30 business days or another mutually agreeable time frame after receipt of the agreement to sign and return the agreement to the utility." Should you require more time, "An initial request for an extension for up to 15 business days will not be denied by the utility."

Finally, for the witness test, "The applicant shall provide the utility with at least five business days' advance written notice of the witness test."

System Limitations and Requirements

The Level 3 expedited review process applies to specific types and sizes of distributed generation facilities. Systems must have a "nameplate capacity of 100 kW or less." Additionally, for areas with transient stability limitations, the system "shall not exceed 10 MVA."

The effective rule header for this regulation is "ARC 9353C, IAB 6/11/25, effective 7/16/25."

Related Regulatory Guides

For standard net-metered residential and commercial systems in Iowa, see our Iowa Utilities Commission 199 IAC 45.8 Level 1 Interconnection Guide and Iowa Utilities Commission 199 IAC 45.9 Level 2 Interconnection Guide. For large multi-megawatt systems requiring system impact studies, see our Iowa Utilities Commission 199 IAC 45.11 Level 4 Interconnection Guide. Before designing reverse-power relay protection, evaluate inverter capacity using our solar sizing tool.