Distributed Energy Resources (DER)
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) include solar panels, energy storage (BESS), combined heat and power plants, and natural gas-fueled generators.
Our Engineering Department reviews and approves all DER applications for the Wasaga Distribution service area. Below are the steps outlining the process. If you have any questions, we can be contacted at [email protected].
MICRO GENERATORS ≤10kW
Complete and submit the Preliminary Consultation Information Request (PCIR) Form. The engineering department will contact you if any information was missed.
The engineering department will review the proposed system and confirm there is capacity on the feedr, and will outline any requirements.
Wasaga Distribution will complete a new service layout/offer to connect; this document will outline any of Wasaga Distribution’s costs to connect the generator. If you decide to proceed, you will be required to pay the connection fees.
Once the system has been built, you will be required to apply to the electrical safety authority (ESA) to have an inspection completed. Wasaga Distribution will receive a connection authorization directly from the ESA.
After the connection authorization has been received, Wasaga Distribution will schedule the connection or meter change
SYSTEMS LARGER THAN 10kW
Complete and submit the Preliminary Consultation Information Request. Wasaga Distribution will contact you if any information was missed. The Engineering Department will review the proposed system size and confirm if there is capacity on the feeder.
After the preliminary consultation, complete and submit a Connection Impact Assessment Application (CIA) and pay the required fees. Wasaga Distribution will perform a Connection Impact Assessment for the proposed generator. Wasaga Distribution will then issue the reports. Once they are completed. You will be allocated capacity on the grid upon completion.
Please Note: For generators connecting to a Utility shared feed, that utility may be required to perform its own Connection Impact Assessment. Details of the Utilities involved will be provided during the Preliminary Application stage.
Please Note: The following feeders or stations are restricted due to the maximum allowed generation as per the HONI TIR
MS#3 Feeder 4
Brocks Beach DS (HONI Owned)
FEES
Systems size 500kW or less = $3,400 + applicable tax
System size greater than 500kW but less than 10MW = $8,800 + apllicable tax
System size greater than 10MW = $11,900 + applicable tax
Wasaga Distribution will provide you with a Connection Agreement for your proposed Generator. Included in the Connection Agreement is a Connection Cost Agreement. This Connection Cost Agreement serves as your Offer to Connect and provides a cost estimation specifying the scope of work to be performed by Wasaga Distribution and yourself.
You will be required to submit a Detailed Design Review to ensure all requirements for the connection have been satisfied. Wasaga Distribution will review the Detatiled Design and provide feedback and/or approval. Once you have received all approvals, you are able to start construction.
Wasaga Distribution will complete any required work concurrently with you building the system or completing any work for connection.
Once construction has been completed and the system is connected, Wasaga Distribution will work with you or your consultants to complete commissioning of the system. Depending on the system, Wasaga Distribution may want to witness the system commissioning. At this time, the system may only be connected and generate for commissioning purposes.
Once all required commissioning has been received and approved by Wasaga Distribution, and we have received a connection authorization letter from the ESA, you will be permitted to generate as outlined in the agreements.
As DER connections vary in scope and complexity, the Wasaga Distribution engineering department will work closely with you and/or your consultants during the entire project.
Wasaga Distribution follows the most recent version of the Hydro One TIR for technical interconnection requirements of DER. Please refer to the Hydro One website for the most up-to-date requirements at: https://www.hydroone.com/business-services/generators/technical-requirements