DISTRIBUTION INTERCONNECTION INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

• US 20150233733A1
• Filed: 02/13/2015
• Published: 08/20/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric Company (Sempra Energy)
• Original Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric Company (Sempra Energy)
• Inventors: PARKS, ARNEY KENNETH III, BRILES, RACHEL ROMANI, JUENGST, PATRICIA MAY, NGUYEN, VY, MALOWNEY, ROB, WEINGARTNER, STEVE, TYNEN, GERALD, FRANZ, AARON GREGORY, Hughes, Michael A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,613,359 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0185 Product, service or business identity fraud

Abstract

A distribution interconnection system processes and manages interconnections into the distribution system for utilities. Various embodiments may manage and facilitate the application process. In addition, utilities may track and manage unauthorized operators, for example, via a reverse power flow detection process.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

receiving an interconnection application from a customer;

processing the interconnection application;

requesting an inspection; and

reviewing the interconnection application.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising using a reverse power flow detection process to track and manage unauthorized operators.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the reverse power flow detection process to indicate a meter program setup for bi-directional reads.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the reverse power flow detection process to detect a likely theft.

5. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the reverse power flow detection process to detect a likely bad install of meter.

6. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the reverse power flow detection process to detect a likely meter wiring issue.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a Fast Track process that allows customers to bypass the utility inspection.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an unauthorized reverse power flow process for tracking and managing unauthorized systems.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising generating reports of unauthorized operators.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether a customer generation involves solar generation.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an approval of the interconnection agreement from the customer.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying terms and conditions of the interconnection agreement to the customer and requesting an acceptance of the terms and conditions.

13. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

creating a power flow data warehouse comprising a set of power flow records associated with a meter;

detecting a reverse power flow for each meter; and

updating the power flow data warehouse.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising tracking and managing unauthorized operators.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising indicating a meter program setup for bi-directional reads.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising using the detected reverse power flow to detect likely theft.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising using the detected reverse power flow to detect a likely bad install of meter.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising using the reverse power flow to detect a likely meter wiring issue.