As a small generator connecting to the distribution grid, you are responsible for:

• The safety, design, construction, operating, metering, protection and control and maintenance of the generating facility.
• Contacting the various agencies concerned well before finalizing plans for the project.
• Ensuring that all necessary submissions and agreements are completed and required payments made.
• The costs associated with each step of the process, such as the costs of connection and metering as determined by the LDC in compliance with the Distribution System Code.

There are several organizations that are involved in the connection of your generating project to the distribution grid.

• Your local distribution company (LDC)
• Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
• Ontario Energy Board (OEB)

You may wish to engage a qualified consultant to help with the connection requirements, process and approvals. Connecting with Your LDC

Your LDC can help you determine the feasibility of physically connecting your project to the distribution grid. LDCs can be found on the IESO Website or through the OEB publication Energy Distributor – Issued Licences.

Your LDC will prepare a Connection Impact Assessment for your proposed facility, which is required under the Standard Offer Program.

A key point to remember is that, as a developer, you are responsible for any costs to upgrade the distribution system to connect to your project. This is an important consideration for remote and rural sites. The requirements for connection and metering are set out in the OEB’s Distribution System Code.

LDC’s will play a significant role in your project – providing you with information on your connection options, reviewing your project plans, coordinating the connection activities and managing your generation account.

Your project will require a generator licence from the OEB. Recently, steps have been taken to simplify the licensing process for small generators.

The OEB is also adjusting metering requirements for embedded generation facilities that have a capacity of 10 MW or less, recognizing that metering may vary with regard to the fuel type and technology of the facility.

The Electrical Safety Authority has the final approval over your project facility and the connection to the local electricity distributor’s system. Once construction is completed, your site must be inspected and certified by the ESA.