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 for projects <500kW and the Confirmation of Verification Evidence Report for projects ≥500kW.

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. Remote Monitoring and Remote Shut Down

Distributed Energy Resources on the distribution grid have potential operating and safety concerns for those working to control and maintain the network. In response, Alectra Utilities requires generators to maintain a Remote Monitoring System with capability to support a Generator Remote Shutdown directive.

For further information and requirements, please review the Distributed Energy Resources Remote Monitoring and Remote Shutdown information package.

12. Assistance

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

Information Package

This guideline provides a set of references that are intended to familiarize Alectra Utilities customers with the overall information and explain the process, requirements, and options for connecting generation facilities to Alectra Utilities’ distribution or the sub-transmission system. This is a guide only; final design approval for all generators will be made by the Station Design - Distributed Energy Resource Team.

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

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 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.

Information Package

This guideline provides a set of references that are intended to familiarize Alectra Utilities customers with the overall information and explain the process, requirements, and options for connecting generation facilities to Alectra Utilities’ distribution or the sub-transmission system. This is a guide only; final design approval for all generators will be made by the Station Design - Distributed Energy Resource Team.

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

FIT (Feed-In Tariff)

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) ceased to accept applications under the FIT Program.

Existing projects can be maintained until the termination of the IESO/Alectra contract.

Existing FIT should remain as approved and connected per original contracts and technical review. Any changes should be communicated to DER@alectrautilities.com for review.

The below section is Alectra’s process on the reassignment/transfer or termination of FIT contract. Customer is also required to completed IESO process as prerequisite to Alectra’s approval. For more information regarding this program, go to IESO website: https://www.ieso.ca/en/Sector-Participants/Feed-in-Tariff-Program/Overview.

FIT Transfer (Re-assignment)

  1. The new contract owner is to provide full legal name, full address of the FIT solar generation facility and Alectra Load Account# (if available) to DER@alectrautilities.com.
  2. DER will provide a new Alectra Generation Account# to be used through the steps below.
  3. The new contract owner is to fill out the Alectra Assignment of Connection Agreement document (will be sent by DER when the generation account# is created) and return to DER@alectrautilities.com.
  4. The new contract owner is to fill out Schedule F for the new customer’s contact information.
  5. The new contract owner will also need to have the IESO microFIT contract assigned to them. Please contact the IESO at FIT.Contract@ieso.ca regarding their contract transfer process.
    • The previous contract owner will be contacted to verify the contract transfer.

NOTE:

  • Ownership of the IESO contract is treated separately from the property ownership.
  • “IESO Effective Date” is the date to activate the re-assignment/payment transfer, not the sale of property date, if they do not match.
  • Alectra Utilities executes the contract transfer only after both the Alectra Connection Agreement and the IESO contract are received and accepted.
FIT Termination

  1. IESO Contract Owner should notify IESO FIT.Contract@ieso.ca and complete their requirements.
  2. IESO will notify Alectra DER DER@alectrautilities.com.
  3. DER will verify the contract termination on the IESO LDC Portal for confirmation.
  4. Once confirmed, DER will inform internal departments to final bill and remove the meter as applicable.
FIT Contact Updates

  1. The new contract owner is to contact DER@alectrautilities.com to fill out Schedule F for the new customer’s contact information.
  2. Note: no change in payment will occur as there is no contract transfer (i.e. change in ownership) of the FIT contract.

microFIT

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) ceased to accept applications under the microFIT Program.

Existing projects can be maintained until the termination of the IESO/Alectra contract.

Existing microFIT should remain as approved and connected per original contracts and technical review. Any changes should be communicated to DER@alectrautilities.com for review.

The below section is Alectra’s process on the reassignment/transfer or termination of microFIT contract. Customer is also required to complete IESO process as a prerequisite to Alectra’s approval. For more information regarding this program, visit the IESO website: www.ieso.ca/en/Get-Involved/microfit.

microFIT Transfer (Re-assignment)

The new contract owner provides full legal name, full address of the microFIT solar generation facility and Alectra Load Account# (if available) through email to DER@alectrautilities.com.

  1. DER will provide a new Alectra Generation Account# to be used through the steps below.
  2. The new contract owner is to fill out the Connection Agreement (will be sent by DER when the generation account# is created) and return to DER@alectrautilities.com.
  3. The new contract owner will also need to have the IESO microFIT contract assigned to them. Please contact the IESO at microFIT.contract@ieso.ca regarding their contract transfer process.
    • The previous contract owner should be in contact to verify the contract transfer.

NOTE:

  • Ownership of the IESO contract is treated separately from the property ownership.
  • “IESO Effective Date” is the date to activate the re-assignment i.e. the payment transfer, not the sale of property date, if they do not match.
  • Alectra Utilities executes the contract transfer only after both the Alectra Connection Agreement and the IESO contract are received and accepted.
microFIT Termination

  1. Contract Owner should notify IESO microfit.contract@ieso.ca to complete their requirements.
  2. IESO will notify Alectra’s DER group.
  3. DER will verify the contract termination on the IESO LDC Portal for confirmation.
  4. Once confirmed, DER will inform internal departments to final bill and remove the meter, as applicable.

Contact us

Alectra Utilities Corporation  
Stations Design – Distributed Generation  
161 Cityview Boulevard,  
Vaughan, Ontario, L4H 0A9 

Contact Us Here

Email: DER@alectrautilities.com 

Is your location?