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Distribution-connected

For proposed projects connecting to Hydro One's distribution system, Generators participating in the RFP need to work with Hydro One to fulfill the following components for their bid. The templates can be accessed online.

For the 1000 MW Combined Heat and Power RFP:
1) Complete and sign the Preliminary Study Agreement for Generating Facilities 10 MVA or Greater, or for Generating Facilities for Less than 10 MVA. This requires a payment to Hydro One and includes a description of the scope of work.

2) Complete the Distribution System Connection Application Form and provide supporting documents. This is required for the Preliminary Connection Impact Assessment.

For the 200 MW Renewables III RFP:
1) Complete and sign the Preliminary Study Agreement for Generating Facilities 10 MVA or Greater, or for Generating Facilities for Less than 10 MVA. This requires a payment to Hydro One and includes a description of the scope of work.

2) Complete the Distribution System Connection Application Form and provide supporting documents. This is required for the Preliminary Connection Impact Assessment.


Note: Please confirm the requirements for the RFP in the Government RFP's official releases. Questions on RFP issues should be directed to the Government's official RFP Web site at www.ontarioelectricityrfp.ca.

To help bidders meet the tight deadlines of the Government RFP, bidders can use an expedited process, which provides a Preliminary Distribution Connection Impact Assessment.

If the planned generation capacity is 10 Mega Volt Amperes (MVA) or greater, the generator is also required to complete and submit an application for a System Impact Assessment to the IESO.

The technical requirements generators must meet to connect to Hydro One's distribution system are outlined in Technical Requirements for Generators Connecting to Hydro One's Distribution System. These requirements are in place to ensure public and employee safety, protect the integrity of Hydro One's system and provide reliable and quality service to our customers. The generator is responsible for the protection of its own facilities and personnel.

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Helping you meet RFP Deadlines

To meet the RFP's accelerated timelines, Hydro One has modified its normal processes. For both the transmission and distribution connection processes, the normal time required for assessment and estimating exceeds the RFP timelines. Hydro One has developed expedited processes to provide preliminary assessments and preliminary cost estimates to proponents. In trying to meet the increased demand for assessments and work within the limited time, it is imperative that ALL required data be submitted with the application.

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Approvals and Regulations External to Hydro One

Connecting your generation project to our transmission or distribution system requires approvals from and following the rules and codes of various bodies and regulators that govern the electricity business in Ontario. Here are the organizations you will need to work with on your way to connection.

Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - System Impact Assessment

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) manages Ontario's power grid, provides the hourly energy spot market prices, and provides the Market Rules for participating in the Ontario electricity market. Participation in the Renewable Energy Supply Contract requires applying to the IESO to become a registered market participant and complying with all market rules including metering requirements.

A System Impact Assessment is conducted by the IESO for generating facilities 10MVA or greater connecting to the distribution system, and for all generating facilities connecting to the transmission system.

Ontario Energy Board (OEB)
The Ontario Energy Board regulates Ontario's electricity and gas industry.

The OEB's Distribution System Code (DSC) sets out the minimum conditions that an Ontario distributor must meet in carrying out its obligations to distribute electricity in Ontario under its license. Included in the DSC are conditions applying to all transactions and interactions between distributors and generators.

The Transmission System Code (TSC) sets out the minimum conditions that an Ontario transmitter must meet in carrying out its obligations to transmit electricity in Ontario under its license. The TSC includes conditions applying to all transactions and interactions between a transmitter and generators.

The Ontario Energy Board Act, 1988, Section 57, requires that electricity market participants be licensed in order to generate, deliver or sell electricity in the province. Application forms for licenses are available for generators, transmitters, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers.

Board approval is required for the construction of electricity transmission lines two kilometres or longer in length - see Filing Requirements for Electricity Transmission Facilities Applications.

Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE)
The Ontario Ministry of Environment sets environmental standards for electricity projects in Ontario and ensures that generators, distributors and transmitters follow strict rules and standards when constructing and operating facilities.

Environment Assessment Regulation for Electricity Projects O.Reg. 116/0, provides the environmental assessment regulations for generation, transmission and high voltage distribution facilities.

Guide to Environmental Assessment for Electricity Projects provides the environmental assessment requirements for electricity projects. They apply equally to the public and private sectors.

Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
Ontario's Electrical Safety Authority sets and enforces standards for electrical safety through the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Before connecting to Hydro One's system, generating facilities are required to have the ESA inspect their facility and provide Connection Authorization.

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency controls the federal environmental assessment process and it applies whenever a federal authority has a specified decision-making responsibility for a project.

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Would you like to know more about Hydro One's generation connection process?

Still have questions?
If you are interested in connecting a generation facility to Hydro One's system, please e-mail gen.connect@hydroone.com or call 1-866-280-7712.

If you are planning to install a generator that employs a renewable technology and is less than 500 kW, please consider our Net Metering program. All residential and solar panel installations would benefit from this program, as would small wind turbines. Please visit our Net Metering section or call 1-866-280-7712 for more information.

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