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Technology and Infrastructure

Point of common coupling

lead-authors: contributors: reviewers: version: 0.5 updated: 19 March 2026 sensitivity: low ai-use: Claude Sonnet 4.6 (Anthropic) was used for stub content; awaiting full editorial development status: planned

The point of common coupling (PCC) is the physical location in the electricity network where the boundary between a utility's infrastructure and a customer's installation is defined, and where power exchange between them is measured.

Why this matters

Shared definitions

The IEEE defines the point of common coupling as the point in the power system at which the interface between the electric utility and the customer occurs.1) In general, this is the customer side of the utility's meter. The PCC is a key reference point in grid connection standards, microgrid design, and distributed energy resource regulation, as it determines the boundary of measurement, responsibility, and control between network operator and customer.

Perspectives

Actors and stakeholders

Technologies and infrastructure

Institutional structures

Distinctions and overlaps

1)
Jones, K., McCurry, W., & Zitelman, K. (2023). State microgrid policy, programmatic, and regulatory framework: NASEO-NARUC Microgrids State Working Group. National Association of State Energy Officials and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, August 2023. https://pubs.naruc.org/pub/2649E6EB-D7CE-77DC-2BE3-89D48A713213