Connecting Generation

Distributed Energy Resources

Connecting Distributed Energy Resources to the Grid

Alectra Utilities connects Distributed Energy Resources to Ontario’s electricity grid. These Distributed Energy Resources include solar panels, combined heat and power plants, energy storage facilities, and natural gas-fuelled generators.

Our Distributed Energy Resources group assesses and approves the connection to the distribution system.

Connection Process - Small, Mid-Sized and Large Embedded Generators (>10kW)

These are the steps that must be followed to connect an electricity generation source that will generate more than 10 kilowatts and operate at voltages below 50 kilovolts to Alectra’s electricity grid. Note that this is subject to change at any time.

1. Preliminary Consultation

The first step is to submit a completed Preliminary Consultation Information Request. We will establish the generator classification and provide you with the connection details for the proposed project and outline the available capacity.

2. Connection Impact Assessment Application

After the preliminary consultation, complete and submit Connection Impact Assessment Application. Instructions on how to complete Connection Impact Assessment Application.

3. Study Agreement

After we review the Connection Impact Assessment Application, you will need to submit a signed Study Agreement along with payment for the Connection Impact Assessment.

4. Connection Impact Assessment Fee Schedule

This fee schedule is to complete an Alectra Connection Impact Assessment study as of September 1, 2022.

5. Connection Impact Assessment

We conduct a Connection Impact Assessment and issue a report. You will be allocated capacity on the grid upon completion of the Connection Impact Assessment by Alectra Utilities and Hydro One (if applicable).

Note: For generators connecting on a Hydro One shared feeder, Hydro One will be required to perform its own Connection Impact Assessment.

6. Connection Cost Agreement

We will provide you with a cost estimate and will issue a Connection Cost Agreement specifying the scope of work to be performed either by you, your contractors or Alectra Utilities, in order to make the generation connection.

If you decide to proceed with the project, you must sign the Connection Cost Agreement and make the required payments.

7. Design and Build

We will perform the work required to make the connection. You or your contractor must complete the construction of the generation facility and then apply to the Electrical Safety Authority for an electrical inspection. You must submit final detailed design documents to us for review.

8. Commissioning

You will be required to complete and submit a Commissioning Verification Report including the Commissioning Verification Form.

9. Connection Agreement

You will need to complete and submit the Connection Agreement prior to energization.

10. Connect, Operate and Maintain

After the Electrical Safety Authority provides the electrical inspection “Connection Authorization” directly to Alectra Utilities, the generation facility will be connected to Alectra Utilities’ distribution system.

11. Assistance

We will assist you in setting up the appropriate settlement arrangement based on the project type.

Forms for Small, Mid-sized and Large Embedded Generators (>10kW)

Preliminary Consultation Information Request
Connection Impact Assessment Application
Study Agreement (for reference only)
Commissioning Verification Form
Connection Agreement (for reference only)
Emergency Back Up Declaration Form

Connection Process - Micro Generators (≤ 10 kW)

These are the steps that must be followed to connect an electricity generation source that will generate less than or equal to kilowatts and operate at voltages below 50 kilovolts to Alectra’s electricity grid. Note that this is subject to change at any time.

1. Preliminary Consultation

2. Connection Application

After the preliminary consultation, complete and submit Form C – Micro Generation Connection Application.

3. Offer to Connect

We will review the application and, once it is accepted, issue an Offer to Connect which outlines the requirements and construction costs to connect the generator.

If you decide to proceed with the project, you will be required to pay the connection fees detailed in the Offer to Connect.

4. Design and Build

Once the micro generation facility has been built according to our requirements, you will need to to apply to the Electrical Safety Authority for an electrical inspection.

5. Commissioning

You will have to complete and submit a signed Commissioning Verification Form.

6. Connection Agreement

Prior to energization, you will need to complete and submit the Connection Agreement.

7. Connect, Operate and Maintain

After the Electrical Safety Authority provides us with the electrical inspection “Connection Authorization” we will install the bi-directional generation meter.

We will work with you to set up the appropriate settlement arrangement based on the project type.

8. Forms for Micro Generators (≤ 10 kW)

Alectra Restricted Feeders

Due to short circuit capacity limitations, certain feeders supplying Alectra’s service territory are classified as restricted to Distributed Energy Resources projects’ connection. The restricted feeders list will be updated every three months or as required.

Net Metering

If you generate electricity from renewable sources, you may take advantage of Ontario’s “net metering” initiative. Net metering allows you to send excess electricity generated from renewable resources to the distribution system for a credit toward your energy costs.

For more information about the net metering program, please see the Ontario Regulation 541/05 - Net Metering, Ontario Regulation 273/18 - Net Metering and Ontario Regulation 274/18 – Siting Restrictions.