Distribution interconnection information systems and methods

• US 9,613,359 B2
• Filed: 02/13/2015
• Issued: 04/04/2017
• 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, III, Arney Kenneth, Briles, Rachel Romani, Juengst, Patricia May, Nguyen, Vy, Malowney, Rob, Weingartner, Steve, Tynen, Gerard, Franz, Aaron Gregory, Hughes, Michael A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Singh, Hirdepal
• Application Number:
  US14/622,359
• Publication Number:
  US 20150233733A1
• Time in Patent Office: 781 Days
• Field of Search: 34087002
• 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 for automating interconnections from distributed utility customers into a plurality of distributed utilities, the method comprising:

obtaining distributed utility interconnection application from a customer generating power, the application comprising distributed utility interconnection application information, the application information specifying utility customer identifying information and utility identifying information;

generating a customer account using customer identifying information obtained via the application information;

obtaining an authorization from a distributed utility based on a review mechanism performed by the utility such that a power flow generated by the utility customer may be detected; and

recording power generated by the customer using a power flow detection process.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein power flow recording process comprises 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 the customer 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 power generated by the customer generation is solar.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an acceptance of an interconnection agreement terms and conditions from the customer.

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

13. A computer-implemented method for automating data received from power meters associated with customers interconnected into a plurality of distributed utilities, the method comprising:

obtaining distributed utility interconnection application from a customer generating power, the application comprising distributed utility interconnection application information, the application information specifying utility customer identifying information and utility identifying information;

generating a customer account using customer identifying information obtained via the application information;

obtaining an authorization from a distributed utility based on a review mechanism performed by the utility such that a power flow generated by the utility customer may be detected

detecting power generated by the customer interconnected into a distributed utility via a power meter;

determining a direction of a power flow at the power meter; and

recording power generated by the customer using a reverse power flow detection process;

whereas power is recorded as a set of power flow records associated with the power meter interconnected by the customer.

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 reverse power flow detection process to detect likely theft.

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

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