If you are an engineer, project developer, or infrastructure planner working on electric vehicle (EV) charging projects in New York State, you have probably encountered a frustrating reality: getting your EV charger connected to the grid is often harder than installing the charger itself.
Between utility-specific procedures, evolving standards, and a growing backlog of interconnection applications, the process can feel like navigating a maze without a map. But here is the good news—New York is actively reforming its interconnection framework to make it faster, more transparent, and more predictable.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about New York’s interconnection technical requirements and application practices for EV projects. Whether you are a newcomer to the industry or a seasoned professional, understanding this landscape is essential to getting your projects energized on time and on budget.
Why Interconnection Matters for EV Infrastructure
Every EV charging station must connect to the electrical grid. That sounds simple enough, but the interconnection process—the technical and administrative steps required to safely connect your equipment to the utility’s distribution system—is anything but straightforward.
New York State has set ambitious goals for transportation electrification. Today, there are already 175,000 electric or plug-in hybrid EVs on New York roads, with approximately 3 million anticipated by 2030. Meeting this demand requires a massive buildout of charging infrastructure, which in turn requires a massive volume of interconnection applications.
The challenge? Until recently, utilities across the state handled EV charger applications with inconsistent timelines and procedures. What worked for one utility in one region might not work for another, creating confusion, delays, and cost overruns for developers.
The Foundation: New York’s Standardized Interconnection Requirements (SIR)
At the heart of New York’s interconnection framework is the Standardized Interconnection Requirements (SIR) . The SIR provides a standardized application, review, and approval process for distributed energy resources (DER)—including EV charging equipment—connecting to utility distribution systems.
The SIR applies to distributed generators and energy storage systems 5 MW or less connected in parallel with utility distribution systems. While EV charging stations are primarily loads rather than generators, the SIR framework has increasingly been used as a model for processing EV interconnection applications.
Key features of the SIR include:
Fast-track processing for simpler projects
Pre-application reports to help developers understand requirements upfront
Standardized interconnection contract forms
Monthly reporting of interconnection inventories to the Public Service Commission
The SIR is not static—it is continuously evolving. In February 2025, the New York Solar Energy Industries Association filed a petition seeking modifications to provide greater transparency and cost certainty for DER projects. Proposed amendments aim to reduce utility cost overruns, align utility incentives with cost control, and prevent retroactive cost increases.
The Game-Changer: New York PSC Approves Standardized EV Charger Interconnection Process
On September 18, 2025, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a new system to speed up and simplify the process of connecting EV chargers to the grid. This decision is a major milestone for anyone working in EV infrastructure.
The Commission adopted the EV Application Queue Management Manual—a statewide rulebook that standardizes how utilities process, review, and communicate with EV charging applicants.
What This Means for You
- A Consistent, Transparent Application Process
The Manual creates a uniform process across all major utilities in New York State. Instead of guessing how each utility operates, developers now have a clear, standardized roadmap. This makes it easier to plan projects and forecast completion dates.
- A Customer-Facing Guide with Dispute Resolution
Utilities are now required to produce a customer-facing document that explains each stage of the application process, including a dispute resolution pathway. This gives developers, site hosts, and infrastructure providers greater transparency and accountability.
- Queue Management to Address Backlogs
The new system addresses the growing backlog of interconnection applications by establishing standardized queue management practices. Utilities must now manage their interconnection queues with greater transparency and efficiency.
The Role of Working Groups: ITWG and EVIWG
New York’s interconnection reforms are not happening in a vacuum. They are the result of extensive collaboration among stakeholders through dedicated working groups.
Interconnection Technical Working Group (ITWG)
The ITWG is a standing group that works to resolve technical issues surrounding interconnection in New York State. It consists of DER project developers, representatives of New York utilities, NYSERDA, and the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS). The ITWG meets regularly to identify, discuss, and resolve technical barriers and challenges affecting interconnection.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Interconnection Working Group (EVIWG)
The EVIWG was specifically convened to address EV interconnection challenges. The group was tasked with streamlining difficulties and barriers affecting the interconnection of EVs, building electrification, and associated processes.
The EVIWG met ten times to develop the EV Queue Management Proposal, which ultimately became the Manual adopted by the PSC. Once its mission was accomplished, the EVIWG became a subgroup of the ITWG for ongoing work.
Why this matters to you: These working groups are where the rules are made. They are also where you—as an industry professional—can have a voice. Stakeholder participation is actively encouraged, and the DPS regularly solicits comments from developers, engineers, and advocates.
What About V2G and Bidirectional Charging?
If you are working on more advanced EV projects—such as V1G (smart charging) or V2G (bidirectional, vehicle-to-grid) —the interconnection requirements become more complex.
V2G systems that can export power to the grid are treated differently from standard EV charging loads. They may need to comply with additional standards, including:
UL 1741 (inverters, converters, controllers, and interconnection system equipment for distributed energy resources)
IEEE 1547 (standard for interconnection and interoperability of distributed energy resources with associated electric power systems interfaces)
UL 1741 CRD for Multimode, which ensures the system will not backfeed the grid during islanding
As we discussed in a previous article, New York has been navigating waiver extensions related to UL 1741 SB certification requirements for EV supply equipment. These technical standards are not just regulatory hurdles—they are essential for grid stability and safety.
For engineers and developers, understanding which standards apply to your specific project is critical. A V1G project (charging only) has different requirements than a V2G project (bidirectional export capability). Misclassifying your project can lead to application rejections, costly redesigns, and significant delays.
Practical Tips for Navigating the Interconnection Process
Based on the new framework and my experience in the power utility industry, here are practical steps to help you navigate New York’s interconnection process:
Start Early—and I Mean Early
Interconnection studies, reviews, and approvals take time. Even with the new streamlined process, start the interconnection application as early as possible in your project planning. Factor in utility review periods, potential system upgrade requirements, and construction timelines.Understand Your Project Classification
Know whether your project is:
Load-only EV charging (standard charging stations)
V1G with smart charging (managed charging but no export)
V2G with bidirectional export (vehicle-to-grid capability)
Each classification triggers different technical requirements and review pathways.
Leverage the New Customer-Facing Guides
Under the new PSC order, utilities must provide customer-facing documents explaining the application process. Use these resources. They are designed to give you clarity on timelines, requirements, and your rights as an applicant.Engage with the Working Groups
The ITWG and its subgroups are where interconnection issues are identified and resolved. Participate in stakeholder sessions and submit comments when proposals are open for feedback. Your real-world experience can help shape better policies.Budget for Uncertainty—But Expect More Certainty
Historically, interconnection costs have been a major source of uncertainty for developers. The proposed SIR amendments aim to cap final costs and require greater transparency in utility cost estimates. While some uncertainty remains, the trend is toward greater cost predictability.
The Big Picture: Why This Matters for Your Career
The power utility industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Transportation electrification is one of the largest drivers of this change, and EV infrastructure is one of the fastest-growing segments of the industry.
But here is the reality: most of this knowledge is not taught in universities. As I discovered early in my career, the theoretical knowledge from school provides a foundation, but it does not prepare you for the practical realities of working in the utility industry. Industry-specific lingo, utility practices, and regulatory frameworks are rarely covered in engineering curricula.
That is why I created my courses—to bridge that gap. To teach the real-world skills that help engineers and professionals succeed in the power utility industry. Whether you are trying to break into the industry, advance your career, or simply understand the technical and regulatory landscape better, practical, industry-specific knowledge is your competitive advantage.
The interconnection process for EV projects is just one example of the kind of knowledge that can make or break a project. Understanding it—really understanding it—can save you months of delays and thousands of dollars in unexpected costs.
Final Thoughts
New York is leading the nation in transportation electrification, and the state is actively working to remove barriers to EV infrastructure deployment. The new standardized interconnection process, the work of the ITWG and EVIWG, and the ongoing reforms to the SIR all point in one direction: a faster, more transparent, and more predictable path to getting EV chargers connected to the grid.
But navigating this landscape still requires knowledge, preparation, and a willingness to engage with the process. For engineers and developers entering this space, the learning curve is steep—but the opportunities are immense.
If you want to build a career in this growing field, start by mastering the fundamentals. Understand the standards. Learn the processes. Stay engaged with the policy developments. And most importantly, never stop learning.
Your Next Step
The power utility industry needs professionals like you—people who are willing to learn, adapt, and build the infrastructure of the future. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, I invite you to explore my courses. They are designed to teach you the practical, real-world skills that universities don't cover—the skills that will help you land your dream job and excel in the power utility industry.
