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Transmission-connected

For proposed projects connecting to Hydro One's transmission system, Hydro One will work with you to complete the following items. Note: The templates can be accessed online. Proponents are recommended to carefully review the RFP submission requirements related to the IESO and Hydro One reviews. Contact Hydro One's Generation Connections Department at 1-866-280-7712 if you have questions about your Hydro One transmission connection application.

For the 1000 MW Combined Heat and Power RFP:
1) Complete and sign the Transmission Preliminary Study Agreement (Combined Heat and Power RFP) for the project's Preliminary Customer Impact Assessment. This requires a payment to Hydro One and includes a description of the scope of work.
2) Complete the Transmission System Connection Application Form required for the project's Preliminary Customer Impact Assessment.

For the 200 MW Renewables III RFP:
1a) Complete and sign the Transmission Preliminary Study Agreement for new projects where the Generator has not executed a Preliminary Customer Impact Assessment Agreement with Networks or projects that have already been assessed as part of the 300 MW or 1000 MW Renewables' RFP but there is an increase or decrease in MW size that is 10% or more; OR for projects that are either identical in MW size or the increase or decrease in MW size is less than 10% and identical in technology, location, connection point and connection arrangements to projects already assessed as part of the 300 MW or 1000 MW Renewables' RFP.

1b) For all other projects that do not fit in the above categories please e-mail gen.connect@hydroone.com or call 1-866-280-7712.

2) Complete the Transmission System Connection Application Form required for the project's Preliminary Customer Impact Assessment.

For the 1000 MW Renewables II RFP:
1) Complete and sign the Transmission Preliminary Study Agreement for new applicants or for applicants who have bid on the previous 300 MW renewable RFP for the project's Preliminary Customer Impact Assessment. This requires a payment to Hydro One and includes a description of the scope of work.

2) Complete the Transmission System Connection Application Form required for the project's Preliminary Customer 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, we have an expedited process for providing a Preliminary Customer Impact Assessment.
Generators must apply to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for a System Impact Assessment.

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.

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.

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 1-877-447-4412 for information.

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