A Simple Guide to POI Interconnection Support

What Is POI Interconnection Engineering Support?

If you're building something that sends power to the grid—like utility scale solar farms, wind farms, or battery storage—you’ll need POI interconnection engineering support. POI means "Point of Interconnection," which is just the spot where your project ties into the utility grid.

Sounds basic, but it’s not. Every utility has its own rules. Every project has quirks. And if anything’s off, you might end up waiting... and waiting... to get approval.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

The POI process isn’t just a form you fill out. Utilities want proof that your system won’t cause problems on their end. They’ll ask for studies, drawings, specs, even models.

This is where projects stall. If something doesn’t line up—or if you miss a tiny detail—they’ll send it back. Weeks go by. Then months. And yeah, that delays everything else too.

Getting poi interconnection engineering support early means you avoid that mess. You catch issues before they go in front of the utility.

What It Usually Covers

Every site’s different, but here’s what the support often includes:

• Reviewing utility guidelines

• Preparing one-line diagrams and system models

• Coordinating with the utility team

• Helping with load flow and fault studies

• Making sure relay settings and protection schemes meet the standards

• Supporting compliance with stuff like nerc alert level 3 ibr

If your project uses inverters—and most do these days—then staying on top of newer alerts like that one isn’t optional.

Who Needs This Kind of Help?

Projects with a grid tie-in, basically. That includes:

• Utility scale solar farms

• Utility scale wind farms

• Utility scale battery storage

Also, projects in crowded areas or older parts of the grid usually need more back-and-forth with utilities. If you’re in one of those zones, the approval process gets a lot pickier.

Where an Owners Engineer Fits In

If you’re not managing all the technical stuff in-house, an owners engineer can help guide the POI process. They’ll keep an eye on the utility’s requirements, translate the jargon, and make sure your designs line up with what the grid needs.

They’re especially useful when MEP engineering overlaps with interconnection. Too many moving parts? Bring someone in who’s done this before.

A Few Tips to Keep Things Moving

1. Start early. The POI process can take longer than expected.

2. Read the utility’s guidelines. Then read them again.

3. Don’t guess—ask questions when something’s unclear.

4. Get help from folks who know how to deal with different industries and grid setups.

Final Thought

POI interconnection engineering support isn’t the flashy part of your project, but it might be the most important. Get it right, and everything else moves smoother. Wait too long or skip steps, and things can drag out fast.