PG&E Transmission Interconnection Handbook

Section L3: SUBSTATION DESIGN FOR LOAD-ONLY

ENTITIES AND TRANSMISSION-ONLY ENTITIES
PURPOSE
This section provides substation design information for Load Entities interconnected at
transmission voltage and Transmission Entities. Supplemental information is provided
in the Planning Guide for Single Customer Substations Served from Transmission Lines
(Refer to Appendix D). Design information for interconnecting at a distribution voltage
will be provided by PG&E, upon request.

L3.1. DEAD-END STRUCTURE

The Load Entity or Transmission Entity shall supply the structure at which PG&E shall
dead-end or terminate its transmission conductors. PG&E shall supply the insulators at
the entity’s expense. The entity shall supply the associated hardware for the
transmission connection and the conductor up to the first device. The entity’s dead-end
structure shall meet the specifications of Table L3-1 below.

Table L3-1
DEAD-END STRUCTURE SPECIFICATIONS
MINIMUM MINIMUM MINIMUM MINIMUM TENSION
PHASE CLEARANCE CLEARANCE CONDUCTOR PER PHASE
VOLTAGE SEPARATION (live part to phase-to- ground SIZE IN FT•LB.
structure) (per GO 95)*
60 kV 7 ft. 2 ft. 6 in. 32 ft. #4/0 al 1520
715 kcmil al 2700
70 kV 7 ft. 2 ft. 6 in. 32 ft. #4/0 al 1520
715 kcmil al 2700
115 kV 10 ft. 3 ft. 9 in. 34 ft. #4/0 al 1520
715 kcmil al 2700
230 kV 18 ft. 7 ft. 3 in. 34 ft. 954 kcmil ACSR 2700-6800
1113 kcmil 2700-6800
AACC
* The actual minimum height at which the conductor lands on the structure shall be
such that the conductor height at mid span meets these requirements.

L3.2. TRANSFORMERS
Before ordering the transformer, the Load Entity or Transmission Entity shall submit the
transformer nameplate data to PG&E for approval, because the normal operating
voltage in some parts of the system may deviate slightly from the nominal voltages.
Approval by PG&E does not imply warranties or endorsement. Load Entities or
Transmission Entities interconnecting to 60 kV, 70 kV or 115 kV facilities should be
aware that at some future date PG&E may convert those facilities to a higher voltage. It
would then be the entity’s responsibility to maintain, at the entity’s expense,
compatibility between the entity’s and PG&E’s facility.

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PG&E recommends a high-side delta, low-side grounded wye transformer bank for
interconnection. Any other connections may require additional protection, as determined
by PG&E. The use of a delta connection also helps to suppress harmonics, helping to
keep power quality at acceptable levels.
If the entity chooses to install lightning arrestors, the arrestors must be on the
transformer side of the fault-interrupting devices.

L3.3. VOLTAGE REGULATION

PG&E maintains transmission voltages at levels required for economic and reliable
transmission of electricity. Regulation to keep voltage variations within limits acceptable
to end-use entities is provided typically on distribution. An entity interconnecting at
transmission voltage needs to understand that voltage regulation at transmission
voltage levels is different from distribution voltage. For this reason, Load Entities or
Transmission Entities are strongly urged to install their own voltage regulation
equipment. The entity should contact PG&E regarding the typical range of operating
voltages in the area. PG&E usually purchases transformers with a high-side, nominal
center tap as shown in Table L3-2, and with two taps above and two taps below, each
at 2.5 percent of the nominal voltage.
PG&E’s nominal voltages are shown in Table L3-2.

Table L3-2
CENTER TAPS FOR SUBSTATION TRANSFORMERS

Nominal Voltage Center Tap

(per ANSI C84.1)

500,000 525,000

230,000 230,000

115,000 117,500

69,000 69,580

60,000 60,000

The nominal PG&E voltages are 60 kV, 70 kV, 115 kV and 230 kV, but in some areas of
the PG&E system, voltages may run significantly higher or lower. The Load Entity or
Transmission Entity is advised to contact PG&E before ordering its transformer. PG&E
transformers are usually equipped with a low-side regulator or load tap changer (± 7.5
percent or ± 10 percent).

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L3.4. POWER FACTOR

The CAISO Tariff, effective on March 31, 1998, specifies that all loads connected
directly to the ISO grid are to maintain a power factor between 0.97 lag and 0.99 lead,
as measured at the point where the retail facilities interconnect with the ISO-controlled
facilities; i.e., the high voltage side of the distribution and entity-owned transformer
banks. The ISO is currently developing penalties, which, subject to any required
regulatory approvals, will be applied to the Scheduling Coordinators for Load Entities’
non-compliance to this power factor requirement.”
Many PG&E Load Entities with a transmission connection receive Traditional Bundled
Service under electric tariffs that provide for a billing adjustment using a reference
power factor of 0.85. Those entities with power factors less than 0.85 incur a penalty
and those with power factors greater than 0.85 receive a credit. Receiving service
under these electric tariffs does not negate the need to meet the provisions of the
CAISO Tariff. However, PG&E would continue to apply the power factor provisions
contained in the existing tariffs to all transmission-connected Load-only Entities. Thus,
an entity whose power factor is within, or corrects its power factor to be within, the ISO-
acceptable range would receive a billing credit to the extent it exceeds the 0.85
reference power factor.

L3.5. CIRCUIT BREAKER OR OTHER FAULT INTERRUPTING DEVICES

See Section L2, Protection and Control Requirements.

L3.6. RULES FOR TAPPING TRANSMISSION LINES

Effective January 1, 2016, tapping a transmission line, on PG&E owned lines, for new
load and generation interconnections is not permitted on the PG&E system for 100 kV
and above. The required method of interconnecting new load/generation is via a new or
existing substation. If a new transition switching station is required in-lieu of a tap, on a
PG&E owned line, then the new station must be owned, operated and maintained by
PG&E. Effective January 1, 2019, tapping 3rd party transmission lines owned, operated
and maintained by a 3rd party are restricted, and exceptions may or may not be allowed
upon review of standby load agreements being served through non-PG&E facilities and
installation of PG&E interconnection requirements required to safely and reliably
interconnect the project.

The Table L3-3 summarizes the rules for tapping transmission lines for load or
generation.

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Table L3-3
RULES FOR TAPPING TRANSMISSION LINES

Above 100 kV Below 100 kV

Interconnections are preferred to new or

Tapping not permitted. existing substations. Exceptions are
All new connections for above 100 kV allowed on a restricted basis with PG&E’s
must be to a new or existing substation. written approval as determined by PG&E
standards.

Existing taps are “grandfathered” in Existing taps are “grandfathered” in

L3.7. SWITCHES
Manual disconnect switches, tap switches and line selector switches are required as
described below:

L.3.7.1. Manual Disconnects

For a transmission interconnection, there shall be manually operated disconnects
on both sides of the metering PT/CTs. The first manual disconnect device must
be at the point of interconnection with PG&E. This device would be operated by
PG&E, at PG&E’s discretion, and is used to establish a visually open working
clearance for maintenance and repair work in accordance with PG&E safety rules
and practices. The disconnect device must not be used to make or break
parallels between the PG&E system and the Load Entity’s or Transmission
Entity’s substation. It shall be a gang-operated, three-pole switch. The device
enclosure and operating handle (when present) shall be kept locked at all times
with a PG&E lock.
If the disconnect device is PG&E-owned, it shall be installed by PG&E at the
Load Entity’s or Transmission Entity’s expense. If the device is to be located in
the entity’s substation, it must be owned, furnished and installed by the entity.
Only devices specifically approved by PG&E may be used. PG&E personnel
must inspect and approve the installation before service is energized.
The device shall be physically located for ease of access and visibility to PG&E
personnel. When installed in the entity’s substation, the device shall normally be
located close to the metering. The PG&E-operated disconnect shall be identified
with a PG&E-designated switch number plate.
The second manual disconnect device is required between the metering units
and the circuit breaker or fault-interrupting device. This device may be operated

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by the entity and need not have a PG&E lock. This device would be owned,
furnished and installed by the entity.
Disconnect devices shall have the following specifications:
• Must be rated for the voltage and current requirements of the particular
installation.
• Must be gang-operated.
• Must be weatherproof.
• The first disconnect switch, at the point of ownership change, must be
lockable in both the open and closed positions with a standard PG&E lock.
• Proposed switch specifications must be submitted to PG&E for approval,
preferably prior to ordering. For coastal environments, it’s preferable to have
copper blade switches, and/or non-wash insulators.
Switch operating platforms should be installed with disconnect devices.
Appendix D (Document 034851, “Steel Grating Type Switch Operating
Platforms”) contains information on the:
• Size and hold weight of platform
• Size of foundation
• Method of bonding to the ground grid.

L3.7.2. Tap Switch

When allowed on the PG&E system (e.g. below 100 kV) tapped connections to
the Grid may also require a switch at the tap. The purpose of this switch would
be to disconnect the tap line from the main line in the event the tap line needs to
be de-energized while keeping the main line in service. Thus the switch would
provide a way to isolate trouble or to perform maintenance on the tap line without
a long-term service interruption on the main line.
The need for a tap switch depends on several factors including the length of the
tap line, the exposure of the tap line to potentially adverse elements and the
criticality of the main line. PG&E will evaluate these factors and will determine
whether such a switch is needed. If needed, this switch would be in addition to
the disconnect switches described above.
The tap switch would be owned, furnished and installed by PG&E under a
Special Facilities Agreement in accordance with applicable electric tariffs.

L3.7.3. Line Selector Switches

When allowed on the PG&E system below 100 kV, line selector switches are
installed on one or both sides of a single-tap in order to provide operational
flexibility in providing service to customers on the tap line. They are used to
reduce the duration of customer outages for planned maintenance in the main
line and to restore service in the case of an unplanned interruption of the main

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line. At PG&E’s discretion, a selector switch may not be required if the distance
from the new single-tap interconnection to either end of the transmission line or
to an existing selector switch on the line is relatively short (one mile or less), and
have minimal exposure to causes of outages (trees, traffic, etc.).
The selector switches would be owned, furnished and installed by PG&E under a
Special Facilities Agreement in accordance with applicable tariffs.

L3.8. INTERCONNECTION OF LOAD ENTITY’S OR TRANSMISSION

ENTITY’S SUBSTATION WITH PG&E’S SYSTEM
For reliable transmission-level interconnection, PG&E will usually provide a substation
bus connection from a nearby transmission line. Sometimes a line position can be
available at the nearest existing substation. To accommodate an entity’s request for
improved reliability, PG&E can provide an additional source at the entity’s expense in
accordance with Electric Rule 2. The interconnection facilities and any additional
facilities needed to accommodate improved service reliability shall be covered by a
Load Special Facilities Agreement (refer to Appendix K for a CPUC jurisdictional
example).

L3.9. LOAD ENTITY OR TRANSMISSION ENTITY INTERFERENCE

WITH POWER QUALITY
Under Electric Rule 2, the Load Entity or Transmission Entity is responsible for
providing facilities and equipment to avoid unacceptable interference which may
adversely affect PG&E’s operations or service provided to other customers, whether by
voltage fluctuations, harmonics, or inductive interference. The Load Entity or
Transmission Entity is responsible for the costs of mitigating interference it causes.
Phase Unbalance: Also as outlined in Electric Rule 2, the Load Entity or Transmission
Entity is responsible to maintain their demand load balance to which the difference in
amperes between any two phases at the Load Entity’s peak load should not be greater
than 10% or 50 amperes at the service delivery entrance, whichever is greater.
Harmonics: In regards to harmonic issues, it is advised for the Load Entity or
Transmission Entity to follow IEEE 519-1992, Recommended Practices and
Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electrical Power Systems as a guide to address
acceptable limits of voltage and current distortions.

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