Anyone else dealing with massive delays from MLGW on solar interconnection approvals? I've got three clients who completed installations in February and March, but they're still waiting for Permission to Operate. MLGW claims they're "reviewing updated interconnection procedures" but won't give any timeline. One client has a 9.6kW system just sitting there generating nothing while they pay $180/month in loan payments. This is getting ridiculous - installations are backing up across Memphis.
MLGW solar interconnection delays
Bobby, I'm seeing the same thing. MLGW used to process interconnections in 2-3 weeks but now they're taking 8-12 weeks minimum. The problem seems to be staffing - they only have two engineers reviewing applications for the entire service territory. With solar installations tripling this year thanks to the federal tax credits, they're completely overwhelmed. I've been escalating cases through their customer service manager but that's not sustainable for every project.
Randy, exactly. And the worst part is clients are getting frustrated with the installers even though it's completely out of our control. MLGW won't even acknowledge applications until 30 days after submission, so there's this black hole period where nobody knows what's happening. I started telling clients to expect 3-4 months from installation to PTO, but that seems insane for what should be a routine administrative process.
This is why I love working in Georgia Power territory. We typically get PTO within 10-15 business days, even for complex commercial installations. Memphis really needs to modernize their interconnection process - most utilities have moved to automated approval for standard residential systems under 10kW. There's no technical reason why a simple rooftop installation should require months of engineering review.
Derek's right about automation being the solution. TVA territory has streamlined approval for systems that meet standard criteria - proper inverters, no ground mount, under 10kW capacity. Applications get approved automatically within 48 hours if they check all the boxes. MLGW probably needs to hire more staff or implement similar automated screening. The current bottleneck is costing customers thousands in lost production.
I actually reached out to our city councilman about this issue. He said MLGW is requesting budget approval for two additional engineers and upgraded software systems, but it won't help current applications. The councilman suggested organizing affected customers to attend the next MLGW board meeting. Public pressure might be the only way to get faster action on the backlog.
Bobby, that's a smart approach. I'd be willing to help organize something. We could put together a presentation showing the economic impact of these delays - lost production, loan interest, installation company cash flow problems. MLGW responds better to data than complaints. I can pull together some numbers on typical production losses during spring months when systems are sitting idle.
Randy, I love that idea. Let me reach out to the local solar installers too - they're probably sitting on dozens of completed systems waiting for approval. If we can show up with 20-30 affected customers and concrete data on financial losses, MLGW will have to take notice. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, especially when there's media attention.
You might also want to contact the Tennessee Solar Industries Association. They have experience dealing with utility interconnection issues statewide and could provide additional support. Sometimes utilities respond better to industry groups than individual customers. Georgia had similar problems with smaller municipal utilities until the solar association got involved and pushed for standardized procedures.
This discussion highlights why I prefer working with investor-owned utilities like Dominion here in Virginia. They have regulatory pressure to maintain reasonable interconnection timelines, while municipal utilities like MLGW can basically do whatever they want. Public utilities often lack the accountability mechanisms that keep IOUs in line. Sometimes municipal power isn't the customer-friendly option people assume it is.
Gerald makes a good point about accountability. MLGW doesn't answer to the Tennessee PUC, so our main leverage is through the city government and public pressure. I've started tracking interconnection times for all my clients to build a database of delays. If anyone wants to share their data, I can create a comprehensive report showing the scope of the problem.
Update: Good news! Got calls from MLGW yesterday on two of my three pending applications. They're fast-tracking systems that have been waiting over 60 days. Not sure if it's related to the pressure we've been applying, but I'll take it. Still doesn't solve the systemic problem, but at least some clients are getting relief. Randy, I'll definitely contribute data to your report.
Interesting to see municipal utility challenges in Tennessee. Here in North Dakota with Montana-Dakota Utilities, we have completely different issues - mainly around winter interconnection procedures and snow load calculations. But 3-4 month delays would be unacceptable regardless of the technical challenges. Sounds like MLGW needs to learn from utilities that have figured out efficient processing. Basic project management principles apply even to government operations.
Final update: MLGW announced this week they're hiring three additional engineers and implementing new software for interconnection processing. Target is to reduce approval times to 30 days by September. They also committed to processing the current backlog by July 4th. Bobby, I think our advocacy efforts made a real difference. Sometimes you have to make noise to get results, even with public utilities.