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Create Green in Indiana

How To Apply

Before you install your solar panels or other distributed energy resources, and before you connect to our grid, you'll need to submit a New Interconnection Service Request via PowerClerk.

Once approved, you can install the system, and following a successful inspection of your equipment, you'll submit a signed agreement with us that governs the arrangement.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below for more information on our CreateGreen program.

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Requirements For Indiana Customers

CreateGreen is available to Indiana customers in good standing who submit an Application to own and operate an eligible distributed generation facility such as solar photovoltaic, wind, biomass, or hydroelectric power. Eligible distributed generation facilities must be designed to operate in parallel with I&M’s system. Customers must also take service from I&M under an applicable standard service tariff.

Applications submitted after June 30, 2022 must meet the requirements outlined in I&M’s Excess Distributed Generation Rider, while Applications received on or before June 30, 2022 and deemed complete are eligible for approval under I&M’s now-grandfathered Net Metering Service Rider.

Plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) owners taking advantage of I&M’s Residential Service Plug-in Electric Vehicle Tariff or General Service Plug-in Electric Vehicle Tariff may not operate under the Excess Distributed Generation Rider.

Distributed Generation Facility Sizing

Under the Excess Distributed Generation Rider, your eligible distributed generation facility must be operated in parallel with I&M’s system and sized at a nameplate capacity of the lesser of 1,000 kW or a size projected to not exceed the customer’s average annual consumption of electricity in kWh on the premises on a per meter basis.

For eligible customers without historical electricity use data, I&M can review projected load information to ensure the facility sizing is intended primarily to offset all or part of the customer's own electrical load requirements on a per meter basis up to 1,000 kW.

Ownership and Location of Distributed Generation Facilities

Under the Excess Distributed Generation Rider, the customer must own and operate the eligible distributed generation facility located on the customer's premises. For more information, please review the FAQs below. Also, you can access the Excess Distributed Generation Rider (EDG Rider) in I&M’s Tariff Book.

Create Green Frequently Asked Questions

Expand the questions below to find answers to common questions on I&M's Application Approval Process.

A customer that installed a net metering eligible generating facility prior to January 1, 2018 will receive credits for power delivered to I&M until July 1, 2047 under the terms of the net metering tariff in place on December 31, 2017.

A customer that either installed a net metering eligible generating facility on or after January 1, 2018 and before June 30, 2022, or submitted an Application for Interconnection deemed complete on or before June 30, 2022 by I&M, will receive credits for power delivered to I&M following permission to operate until July 1, 2032 under the terms of Rider NMS.

For either scenario above, a new property owner can choose to continue to be served under the terms and conditions of the applicable net metering tariff. In this scenario, the new property owner must sign a new interconnection services agreement with I&M.

It is important to note that any changes to existing net metering eligible customer system design may lead to a loss of net metering eligibility. Applications submitted after June 30, 2022 or that were not deemed complete by I&M by June 30, 2022 will receive credits for excess distributed generation delivered to I&M following permission to operate under I&M’s Excess Distributed Generation Rider (Rider EDG).

The installer, customer and I&M should complete Steps 1-4 as summarized below:

Step 1: The installer or customer register for access to PowerClerk. The installer or customer then submits the New Interconnection Service Request via PowerClerk.

Step 2: The customer then signs the Application via DocuSign and pays the required application fee.

Step 3: I&M verifies all the information in the application and confirms the proposed distributed generation facility is designed to meet Rider EDG requirements.

Step 4: The customer receives confirmation that a complete Application has been received by I&M.

For the timely issuance of the confirmation that a complete Application has been submitted, please make sure you and your installer reply to any requests for clarification during Steps 2 and 3.

Customers and their installers who submit an Application via AEP’s PowerClerk online application platform should focus on several key steps to ensure their Application can be confirmed as complete by I&M in a timely manner.

The key mistakes that often create the most errors and delays in application processing include:

  • The customer’s account number is NOT entered exactly as instructed in PowerClerk
  • The customer’s name and address on the account is NOT entered into PowerClerk exactly as it is shown on the customer’s monthly invoice
  • The customer’s meter number is NOT entered exactly as instructed in PowerClerk
  • Records Fix requests provided by the I&M team via e-mail from PowerClerk or the DG Coordinator are NOT responded to and addressed in a timely manner

Please note, if you have a question about a required entry in the PowerClerk online application form, just click on the Question Mark (?) near the entry for guidance.

Once a customer receives confirmation from I&M that a completed Application has been submitted in Step 4 of the process indicated above, the customer will be issued an Approval to build the eligible distributed generation facility when I&M completes Steps 5-7 as summarized below:

Step 5: I&M conducts a review of project’s impact to the distribution system. Note that< 5% of projects typically require a reliability study/system review by I&M.

Step 6: I&M conducts the review (or reliability impact study, if needed) and prepares a construction agreement for the installation of new I&M equipment, if necessary. I&M will install the new equipment after the customer signs the Construction Agreement and customer payment is received.

Step 7: The customer receives the Approval notification and the eligible distributed generation facility can now be constructed by the installer as proposed.

For the timely issuance of the Approval, please make sure you and your installer reply to any requests for clarification, signature and or payment, as needed, during Steps 5-7.

Once a customer receives the Approval confirmation from I&M in Step 7 above, the customer will then be able to install their eligible distributed generation facility. Steps 8-12 need to be completed as summarized below before permission to operate will be given:

Step 8: The customer signs the Interconnection Agreement via DocuSign

Step 9: The installer constructs the eligible distributed generation facility and uploads all required proof of installation and local building inspection documents to I&M via PowerClerk.

Step 10: I&M verifies that the eligible distributed generation facility was installed as proposed and creates order to install the bi-directional meter.

Step 11: I&M installs the bi-directional meter. Normal time frame for meter changes is 7-10 business days.

Step 12: I&M issues Permission to Operate and updates the customer’s account to ensure applicable credits for power delivered to I&M are applied.

The customer is not permitted to operate the eligible distributed generation facility until Permission to Operate has been issued by I&M in Step 12.

Your installer can grant you access to PowerClerk after you register for PowerClerk by granting you Read Only or Read/Write under the Access Grants for this Project. The installer will need a valid email address for you.

All of us have experienced at times frustration when e-mail client spam and junk filters block important e-mails we need. This can happen at times with e-mails from Power Clerk and I&M’s shared mailboxes used to manage application communications.

I&M recommends that you check your spam and junk folders often after your application is submitted to avoid missing communications from us. Common email addresses issued by PowerClerk and I&M include:

An initial Application must be submitted via PowerClerk at https://aep.powerclerk.com and must include uploads of the following information:

  • A site location map,
  • An electrical one-line diagram showing the configuration of the proposed distributed generation facility. Facilities over 50 kW in nameplate capacity must have the electrical one-line diagram stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer,
  • A series of site pictures that demonstrate the location of panel installation, the current electrical meter, and the area surrounding the current electrical meter up to 2 feet in all directions,
  • Specification sheets for all equipment proposed to be installed, and
  • Evidence of homeowners, commercial, or other insurance providing coverage in the amount of at least $100,000 for the liability of the insured per the terms of EDG Rider.

Once your eligible distributed generation facility is approved for installation and constructed per Steps 7 and 8 above, you will need to upload the following documents to Power Clerk:

  • A copy of the local building inspection report
  • A letter from the licensed electrician attesting that the generation equipment has been installed in accordance with applicable local and National Electric Code requirements (if no local permit inspection authority exists)
  • Digital pictures of
    • The installed generation equipment,
    • The AC disconnect,
    • The inverter nameplate,
    • The utility meter, and
    • All required placards under National Electric Code requirements.

It depends on the proposed size of your eligible generating facility. For eligible distributed generation facilities with nameplate capacity of 10 kW or less there is no fee. For eligible distributed generation facilities with nameplate capacity of between 11 kW and 1,000 kW, the fee is $50.00 plus $1 per kW of nameplate capacity.

Important Update and FAQs

Starting January 1, 2024, there will be new DER requirements. However, if you’ve already submitted your request, or if you submit a new request by December 31, 2023, you can still follow the current requirements. Check out our FAQs for more info.

DER FAQs

You need to go through an interconnection application process, and you should do this before anything is installed.

We require customers to follow the DER Interconnection Process for any device that operates while you are connected to the grid (like solar panels, battery storage systems, or generators). You must have a valid tariff option to support your use of the DER.

Besides being a utility requirement and in most places state law , it is how we can help ensure that the Indiana Michigan Power grid can continue to safely deliver power to all customers while some choose to add DERs . DER equipment can create grid issues with cost implications that may impact whether you can operate it as intended. We can only figure out what issues may exist by examining the proposed DER during the application process.

Before you commit to any vendor or contractor we recommend you first receive an approved interconnection application. This way you will know of any potential upgrades, costs or other mitigations that may be necessary for the proposed interconnection.

You need to install IEEE 1547-2018-certified DER equipment.

To connect with us beginning January 1, 2024, make sure you have the right equipment that meets the IEEE 1547-2018 Standard or its equivalent. This matters because as more DERs connect to the grid they will all become essential interconnected components of the grid and [Opco] needs to have confidence in how those devices will behave at all times. Check out the TIIR for more info.

You are required to inform Indiana Michigan Power about changes to an existing DER.

Before making any big changes to your installation, like adding more photovoltaic (PV) panels, upgrading your generator, replacing the inverter, or removing the DER entirely, you should reach out to us – send our coordinator an email [fill in address] or contact your customer account manager. Your Interconnection Service Agreement requires it. We need to make sure that your planned changes can be supported by your current grid connection. We can provide advice on what other adjustments might be needed to support your updated DER.

Start your application through the on-line portal.

Once all the necessary information has been submitted and you’ve signed your application and remitted any required fee, we’ll start the technical review process. Once your application has undergone Technical Analysis and any necessary mitigations have been agreed upon, {OPCO} will provide you with the Interconnection Service Agreement (ISA) and if needed, a cost estimate that includes approved items and any required upgrades. Upon signing the ISA and submitting payment for the interconnection equipment, you are all set to proceed with construction, as long as there are no further changes to your project.

Upon completing the installation, including required upgrades or meter updates, any required testing and commissioning, and ensuring all payments associated with your DER Facility interconnection have been made, you will receive a Permission to Operate letter from Indiana Michigan Power.

You might, it depends on the capacity of the DER device(s) you're installing and how it's integrated into your existing electric service panel. We highly recommend connecting with a licensed electrician who has experience sizing panels for this kind of technology. Keep in mind that certain locations may have specific codes or requirements. For more info, you can refer to the National Electric Code (NEC 705.12) with your electrician.

Don’t forget, all customers must have a visible lockable disconnect switch for their DER interconnection.

You certainly might. It is going to be dependent upon the capacity of the DER device(s) that you are installing and where/how that is integrated into your existing electric service panel. We encourage you to work with a licensed electrician with experience sizing panels for such technology combinations. Some locations have specific codes or requirements that may also apply. You may wish to reference the National Electric Code (NEC 705.12) with your electrician for additional guidance.

All customers are required to have a visible lockable disconnect switch for their DER interconnection.

Any system upgrades will be determined during the technical evaluation of your application. Common upgrades that may be required when customers install DERs include service transformer replacements, meter replacements, or adding additional meters based on the DER and program you want to join. We’ll make sure your meter is updated for DER support.

This will depend on the nature and size of your DER. You must share your proof of any local inspections and testing, and make sure that the qualified technical expert is available to coordinate with our staff as needed. At a minimum, meter functionality, placards, disconnects, and safe ingress/egress plans will also be checked. Your installer should conduct thorough testing to ensure device settings and communications capabilities meet Indiana Michigan Powe interconnection requirements. For larger DERs, testing includes reviewing third-party testing results and hands-on verification by Indiana Michigan Powe and the DER technical representative. Meter functionality, placards, disconnects, and safe ingress/egress plans will also be checked.

If your project doesn’t meet the technical specifications, you won’t be able to energize it until the identified issues are corrected. This could lead to delays or disconnections, and extra costs for necessary fixes. Keep in mind, as long as the customer has received an approved application and has installed the system as designed and according to the applicable TIIR requirements, it should be straightforward to obtain Permission to Operate.

You must maintain your interconnected equipment in proper working order according to the technical requirements so that your device(s) does not cause issues for your electric service or another customer’s.

If your DER is determined to be operating outside of expected or proper performance parameters, or otherwise causing issues for the grid, you will be asked to shut down your device to address any technical or installation issues. If needed, we can send someone out to disconnect your service in order to work safely or protect grid performance for other customers. Once everything is resolved, we'll quickly reconnect your service after normal operations are verified.

We’ll monitor your DER equipment and may send it commands.

We plan to communicate with your device to stay updated on your DER’s performance, verify settings, and give commands to your device if grid conditions necessitate a change such as “Cease to energize”. We need to be able to make sure it behaves effectively with the grid. If you take your DER out of service for more than routine maintenance, you should contact the coordinator at {OpCo} via email [fill in correct address]. We can request testing or other verifications to confirm your DER’s settings and capabilities at any time.

You don’t need our approval for home backup generators that are only activated during outages. However, if you plan to connect it at the Indiana Michigan Power meter you will need to get approval and our help with that. We may require certain information about your backup generator and there may be other local inspection or other code requirements. We encourage you to reach out to a local qualified licensed electrician.

Here we are talking about special programs established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) that enable third-party providers to contract with customers who own DERs to collectively offer services in the wholesale electric market. Aggregated DERs will be utilized by the third-party aggregator who is responding to operator signals sent by the grid operator.

Before joining an aggregation with your DER that generates/discharges electric power (like solar PVs, battery energy storage systems [BESS], ensure you have a valid Interconnection Service Agreement in place. Your aggregator will then submit a request to the utility for the devices to be aggregated, and we will assess the feasibility of those devices acting in response to aggregation signals. More details about Aggregation will be provided in a separate document as aggregation rules are developed in the Indiana Michigan Power markets.

Additional Information About Interconnecting Your Generating Equipment System

For more specific information, contact our Distributed Generation Coordinator:

Rebeca Garza & Abby Kitchen
Distributed Generation Team
Phone: 260.408.3402
Email: DGCoordinator_IM@aep.com

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