Automating DER applications for 50% faster approvals

With DER adoption accelerating, the utility’s manual application process created bottlenecks, frustrating customers and burdening employees. West Monroe stepped in, partnering to bring industry expertise and Intellio Connect®, our automation platform designed specifically for DER interconnection. Together, we identified inefficiencies, redesigned workflows, and determined the right automation solutions to streamline approvals. By integrating electronic payments and automating engineering reviews, we delivered immediate impact—reducing delays and freeing up staff for more strategic work. The result? A more agile, scalable process that ensures a better experience for all stakeholders.

Collaboration was key to success. Working together with the utility, we leveraged Intellio Connect® to integrate automation seamlessly into their existing systems. Within four months, we introduced electronic payments and instant receipts, making transactions smoother for customers and contractors. By streamlining net metering enrollments and enabling bulk contract creation, we further improved processing efficiency. We helped automate engineering review calculations in just five months—removing a major bottleneck. Together, we built a more transparent, scalable interconnection process that positions the utility for long-term success.

The impact was immediate. With automation in place, DER applications are now processed twice as fast and interconnection throughput has grown by 300%. Customers receive proactive updates, contractors submit applications digitally, and employees focus on higher-value work instead of repetitive tasks. Access to real-time data has also empowered interconnection managers to track progress, optimize workflows, and communicate effectively with leadership and regulatory agencies. The utility now has a scalable, automated system that enhances both efficiency and customer satisfaction—setting a new standard for DER interconnection.