While Colorado is a leader in VPP pilot programs, a less-publicized but equally important change is underway: a statewide mandate for IEEE 1547 compliance. This isn’t a suggestion—it’s the law. The Colorado Administrative Code (4 CCR 723-3) requires that as of January 1, 2022, all new DERs applying for interconnection must comply with the IEEE 1547-2018 standard. This provides a clear, official basis for the new requirements, cementing IEEE 1547-2018 as the new technical baseline for grid support, safety, and communication in the state.

The Utility-Specific Requirements

Meeting the statewide mandate requires a granular approach. Your products must also meet the specific requirements of the utilities in whose territories you wish to operate.

  • Xcel Energy: Xcel Energy’s technical guidelines specifically state that inverters certified to IEEE 1547-2018 are required to have a dedicated communications port for local utility use. This is a critical detail, as it means compliance requires not just a certified inverter, but also a functional communication protocol to operate that port.
  • Black Hills Energy: While Black Hills Energy refers to IEEE 1547, their interconnection manual also states that they accept equipment certified under the older UL 1741-2010 standard. This shows that compliance is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach and requires careful attention to each utility’s specific documentation.
  • Beyond the Majors: Colorado has numerous electric co-ops and municipal utilities. To secure full market access, companies must also be prepared to meet the varying interconnection requirements of smaller utilities.

The Compliance Challenge and Codibly’s Solution

Simply having an IEEE 1547-2018-compliant inverter is not enough. The key challenge is the software and communication layer that makes a “dedicated communications port” functional. This requires a robust, interoperable protocol like IEEE 2030.5 to manage the real-time data exchange and control signals from the utility.

This is where Codibly’s IEEE 2030.5 Accelerator comes in. Our pre-built solution is a direct answer to the compliance challenges in Colorado.

  • Direct Compliance: The accelerator is a pre-built solution that ensures a product can meet the “dedicated communications port” requirement seamlessly.
  • Faster Certification: The accelerator is pre-tested with QualityLogic tools, which guarantees faster certification and regulatory sign-off, reducing time-to-market.
  • Strategic Flexibility: It provides a single solution that can be adapted to the nuances of different utilities, from Xcel Energy’s specific mandates to the varying requirements of other co-ops.

Securing Your Colorado Market Position

A proactive approach to statewide compliance is the key to winning in the Colorado market. Companies that wait for a single, uniform standard to be in place will be at a competitive disadvantage. By addressing these utility-specific mandates with a pre-built, scalable solution, you can secure your market access and gain a crucial competitive edge.