Interconnection & Connection Challenges: A Data Problem Requiring a Smarter Solution

As utilities navigate the increasing demand for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and load (EV charging, building electrification, new service requests), they face mounting challenges that threaten their ability to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and efficient service. The crux of these challenges? Data.

There is a common misconception that interconnections are just about workflow, but more importantly, they are about data. Without the proper data management, utilities struggle with inefficiencies, compliance risks, and project delays that impact grid reliability and customer satisfaction.

The Data Problem at the Core of Utility Challenges

Cumbersome workflows, fragmented information, and manual approvals have traditionally burdened processes. While many solutions on the market focus on automating workflows, utilities face a real issue: data management. They must ensure that data is accurate, validated, and accessible in real time across stakeholders, enabling smarter decision-making and reducing bottlenecks.

Key issues utilities encounter include:

• Lack of Standardized, Real-Time Data Access: Data silos slow down approvals, creating inefficiencies in project timelines.
• Manual & Redundant Processes: Senior engineering staff spend valuable time reviewing applications and documentation that could be streamlined.
• Regulatory & Compliance Complexities: Utilities must ensure adherence to evolving regulations while maintaining transparency.
• Stakeholder Coordination Gaps: Utilities, developers, customers, and regulators need seamless collaboration to avoid project delays.

What Utilities Need in a Solution

To overcome these hurdles, utilities require a solution that provides:

• Intelligence – Data-Driven Decision Making
• Unification – Seamless Stakeholder Coordination
• Empowerment – Automation for Faster Approvals & Strategic Focus

Real-World Challenges: How Utilities Can Overcome Common Hurdles

Scenario 1: Exploding Demand for Permits to Install Solar Panels and EV Charging Stations

A utility faces a surge in applications from residential and commercial customers seeking to install rooftop solar panels and EV charging stations. The legacy system relies on manual approvals and outdated spreadsheets, leading to a six-month backlog. Frustrated customers cancel projects or escalate complaints to regulators.

Solution:

• Automated validation ensures applications are complete before review, reducing back-and-forth communication.
• Real-time collaboration between customers, utilities, and inspectors streamlines approval workflows.

Scenario 2: Managing Demand for Reliable and Affordable Energy

With the rise of electrification and distributed energy resources, a utility struggles to balance supply and demand while keeping energy affordable. Without an integrated system, operators manually track interconnection requests, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal resource allocation.

Solution:

• Data-driven decision-making helps prioritize projects based on grid capacity constraints.
• Automation of agreements and payments accelerates the process, ensuring that new resources come online faster.

Scenario 3: Compliance and Regulatory Challenges

A utility is under scrutiny from regulators due to inconsistent compliance tracking for new interconnection requests. Manual processes increase the risk of errors and non-compliance, potentially leading to penalties.

Solution:

• Automated compliance checks ensure every step of the interconnection process meets regulatory requirements.
• A complete audit trail provides transparency for both regulators and internal stakeholders.
• Seamless reporting capabilities allow for real-time compliance monitoring.

A Smarter Approach to Interconnection & Connection

GridUnity’s Interconnection Life Cycle Management addresses these challenges by shifting the focus from workflow automation to accurate data intelligence. By enabling automated validations, stakeholder unification, and process streamlining, utilities can reduce interconnection timelines while maintaining compliance and efficiency.

Utilities must move beyond outdated, manual workflows and adopt a solution designed for the evolving grid landscape. To see how GridUnity’s Interconnection Life Cycle Management solutions can transform your interconnection and connection processes, visit us at DISTRIBUTECH 2025, Booth 4308, or contact us to schedule a demo.