(a) A renewable energy entity must first obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Public Service Commission under the provisions § 203F of Title 26, and thereafter may apply for a permit from the Department prior to constructing, modifying, or maintaining renewable energy interconnection facilities in the State's ROW.(b) The Department shall receive applications for, process, and issue such permits subject to the following requirements: (1) The applicant shall, wherever possible, place renewable energy interconnection facilities underground, but the Department can authorize above-ground facilities where safety and other consideration allow such placement.(2) Within 30 days of receiving an application, the Department will determine and notify the applicant whether the application is complete. If an application is incomplete, the Department must identify the missing information.(3) The Department will process permits within 90 days either approving the permit request, or denying the permit request for cause based on the Department finding that the permit request fails to comply with any of the following:a. Protection of the public health, safety and welfare along Delaware's roadways.b. Minimization of conflicts with the use of the State's ROW for the primary purpose of transportation.c. Objective, reasonable design standards.d. Applicable Codes including applicable provisions of the Delaware Utilities Manual Regulations, unless or until the Secretary of the Department promulgates regulations specific to accommodation of renewable energy interconnection facilities in the State ROW.Added by Laws 2023, ch. 401,s 13, eff. 9/5/2024.