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Renewable Generation

Notice to Generation Applicants

Customers interested in connecting distributed energy resources (DER) such as renewable generation to the distribution system are encouraged to review the Net Metering program requirements contained in our  Connected Distributed Energy Resources guide and contact our Engineering Department at 519-853-3700 Ext. 213 or generation@haltonhillshydro.com.

Generation Connected in Halton Hills: 6207kW as of September 28, 2022.

Connection of Distributed Energy Resources

Halton Hills Hydro is accepting connection requests from customers interested in installing a Distributed Energy Resource at their facility. What are Distributed Energy Resources?
Some examples are:

  • wind turbines
  • roof-top or ground mounted solar PV panels/ arrays
  • waterpower project situated on a watercourse and waterfall
  • a generator fueled by biomass on a farm
  • battery storage system
  • combination of any of these technologies and other technologies that generate power

Process for Connection, Connecting Distributed Energy Resources, & Applications Forms

The process for connecting a distributed energy resource project to the distribution system is outlined “Connecting Distributed Energy Resources” guide. We encourage any customers interested in connecting a distributed energy resource to review these guidelines and contact our Engineering Department to discuss your project.

Customers requesting a pre-consultation with Halton Hills Hydro about their project can complete our DER Preliminary Consultation Application form (Appendix 2) in our guide. Submit this form to generation@haltonhillshydro.com

DER Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) Fee Schedule

SubtotalHSTTotal
>10kW up to 250kW (Capacity Allocated Feeder)$ 8,483.04$ 1,102.80$ 9,585.84
>10kW up to 250kW (Non-Capacity Allocated Feeder)$ 15,562.08$ 2,023.07$ 17,585.15
>250kW up to 10MW (All DER projects greater than 250kW)$ 25,927.57$ 3,370.58$ 29,298.15

These fees are to be used in Section P “CIA Application Fee Checklist” of the Connection Impact Assessment Application Form.

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Projects greater than 250kW and/ or connecting to a non-capacity allocated feeder require a CIA by the upstream transmitter.

Enabling Third Party Ownership of Net Metered Renewable Energy Generation Facilities

New changes to Net Metering now enable third parties to participate in certain types of net metering arrangements with consumers if they meet the criteria specified in the regulation. Third party generators are considered “eligible” if they own or operate renewable energy generation facilities connected on the customer side of the connection point with a distributor’s distribution system for the purpose of allowing the customer to be billed on a net metering basis. The changes also make provision for a distribution customer who enters into a third party generation arrangement – referred to in the Net Metering Regulation as an “eligible customer” – to enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with an “eligible third party generator”.

The changes also require that where a distribution customer owns or operates a renewable energy generation facility and has an agreement in respect of the related equipment (e.g., a lease, financing or rental agreement etc.), other than a net metering agreement, a confirmation from the customer must be provided to the electricity distributor stating that the customer has received disclosure of certain prescribed information about the equipment-related agreement.

The third party ownership model enabled by the changes to the Net Metering Regulation provides for an electricity retail transaction using a retail contract such as a PPA. Further changes are intended to protect low volume consumers who enter into a retail contract such as a PPA with an eligible third party generator from unfair business practices and to enable those consumers to have information on which to base an informed decision.

While existing provisions apply to a retail contract such as a PPA (including the ban on door-to-door sales for residential consumers), they do not specifically address the related equipment contract (associated agreement).

The changes introduced new provisions applicable to electricity retailers who enter into a retail contract such as a PPA and an associated agreement with a low volume consumer, including:

  • Disclosure – The retailer will be required to include in the retail contract certain statements regarding any associated agreement, including that cancellation of the retail contract may give rise to penalties or other charges under the associated agreement.
  • Unfair Practices – If certain disclosures concerning the terms and conditions of an associated agreement are not made to a customer (including insurance or warranty obligations, maintenance obligations, terms of payment, transfer rights, cancellation rights and fees, equipment removal costs and an estimate of the annual electricity cost savings), it will be an unfair practice under the Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2010.
  • Cancellation – Cancellation of the retail contract, including if due to a customer move, will continue to be permitted. However, as noted above, if cancellation of the retail contract triggers penalties or other charges under an associated agreement, this information will be required to be disclosed to the customer.
  • Return of Equipment – A customer who cancels a retail contract will not be automatically entitled to retain any associated equipment; and new disclosure requirements relate to the costs associated with returning this equipment.

Further information can found on the Ontario Energy Board website www.oeb.ca.

3rd Party Net Metering Disclosure and Contract Forms

If you have entered into a power purchase agreement with a third party, we require a completed Net Metering Confirmation of Disclosure document in order to proceed with net metered billing.

These documents and more can be found at OEB Retailer forms and templates

Important Notice regarding In-Series Connection Requests

On April 9, 2010, the Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”) informed distributors that Measurement Canada had indicated that it “will not recognize or support” the in-series metering configuration as described in the IESO’s MicroFIT rules. Measurement Canada’s concerns would also apply to contracts under the FIT program. The IESO’s discussions with Measurement Canada have not resulted in a resolution to this matter. Given that distributors must comply with Measurement Canada’s laws, regulations and requirements regarding metering, and given Measurement Canada’s current assessment that it will not support in series configurations, the Ontario Energy Board has determined that distributors shall not connect any indirect in series configurations to their distribution system under the MicroFIT or FIT programs. The IESO has also reflected this on their website.

OEB Notice to Distributor’s, May 19, 2010

Important Notice regarding Constrained microFIT Applications (IESO)

On April 5, 2012 the Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”) informed distributors of relocation options for microFIT applicants who had submitted an application to the IESO before December 8, 2010 and received a Conditional Offer that had not expired as of August 19, 2011. These applicants would have also requested an Offer to Connect form their LDC but were informed by their LDC that connection capacity was not available. Please see the following link for information from the IESO.

IESO Notice for Constrained microFIT Applications

Current Applications and Connected Generation Facilities

If you are interested in connecting a renewable generation project to Halton Hills Hydro’s distribution system please contact us via email at generation@haltonhillshydro.com

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