microFIT - Renewable Generation less than 10 Kilowatts

This creates a need for two meters (and accounts), one to measure the amount of electricity supplied to the distribution system and one to measure the amount of electricity used on the premises. microFIT customers are responsible for connection costs and must enter into a 20-year contract with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA).  Erie Thames Powerlines specifies the physical connection requirements and pays the generator upon direction from the OPA. The customer must enter a Micro-Embedded Generation Facility Connection Agreement with Erie Thames Powerlines .

Eligibility

1. Projects must generate electricity from wind, solar photovoltaic (PV), renewable biomass, biogas, bio-fuel, landfill gas or water power.
2. Projects must be located in Ontario with an installed capacity of not more than 10 kilowatts (kW) and connected to an eligible electricity distribution system in Ontario.
3. In some areas of the province, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) may impose limits on eligible projects because of transmission system constraints.

For more details on rates and requirements for the program, please visit the Ontario Power Authority's FIT website.

Connection Process

There are three ways for microFIT generators to connect to the electricity system:

1. Stand-Alone Connection
The generator is directly connected to the grid and is not connected to the customers existing electricity supply. This type of connection requires a separate transformer for the generator. The generator pays all connection costs including the cost of the transformer, as illustrated below.

2. Series Connection - Alternative #1
The generator is connected to the customer's existing electrical system and existing electrical connection to the distribution system. This connection is configured with the generator meter and the load meter electrically in series. Due to this configuration, electricity produced by the generator will be metered as being used on the premises and any excess generation is fed into the distribution system, as illustrated below. microFIT generators will be paid their microFIT contract price for all power generated whether it is being used on the premises or fed into the distribution system.

3. Parallel Connection - Alternative #2
The generator is connected through the customer's existing electrical system and existing connection to the distribution system. This connection is configured with the generator meter and the load meter electrically in parallel. The electricity produced is sent directly into the distribution system. The customer continues to use electricity from the distribution system for their consumption. Customers connected in parallel will be paid the microFIT contract price for all the electricity produced by the generator and their electricity bill will be calculated in the same manner as prior to the installation of the generator. Payment for the microFIT generation is separate from the bill for electricity consumed.

Steps to Connect

Follow the steps below to begin connecting your small generation facility to Hydro One's electricity network under the microFIT program:

1. Request information about the distribution system in your area from Erie Thames Powerlines Business Customer Centre at FIT@eriethamespowerlines.com or 1-519-485-1820. Customers should also contact the Electrical Safety Authority for information.
2. Review the information from Erie Thames Powerlines and ESA and decide whether or not to proceed with the project. If you proceed, you must put together a plan for the project.
3. Contact the Ontario Power Authority online and complete the microFIT application. Once the application is completed, your project will be issued a Reference Number.
4. If you are interested in connecting a generation facility up to 10 kW (Micro generation) under the Net Metering Program or Micro Feed-In Tariff (microFIT) program, you must complete the "Micro-Generation Connection Application Form" available on Erie Thames Powerlines website and submit it to the Business Customer Centre by email, mail or fax. Details are available on Micro-Generation Connection Application Form . (Please note that the required microFIT Reference Number must be included on the application).
5. Erie Thames Powerlines will contact customers by mail with the required documents and payment request for the associated costs of connection.
6. Begin your project installation and apply to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for Electrical Inspection.
7. After obtaining ESA authorization to connect, you must contact Erie Thames Powerlines  and enter into a Connection Agreement.
8. Erie Thames Powerlines will make the necessary modifications for the connection such as the replacement/addition of the meter(s), and the opening of a separate account to record the output of the generator.
9. Erie Thames Powerlines  will verify all the required documents, then connect your generation project to the grid.

Still have questions?

For further information on connecting a microFIT project to Erie Thames Powerlines distribution system, please contact our microFIT team at FIT@eriethamespowerlines.com or visit the OPA microFIT website www.microfit.powerauthority.on.ca.