The Government of Ontario's Green Energy and Economy Act has created a new Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program to encourage renewable energy generation. A feed-in tariff (or FIT) is a straightforward way to contract for renewable energy generation. It provides standardized program rules, prices and contracts. Feed-in tariffs refer to the specific prices paid to renewable energy suppliers for the electricity produced by the generating facility. The pricing structure provides a reasonable return on investment and is differentiated by project size and technology type. The FIT program will replace the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP) and will be administered by the OPA.
The OPA's FIT rules state that a distinction will be made between microFIT (less than 10kW) and FIT (greater than 10kW). For detailed project eligibility requirements for FIT projects, please visit the OPA's website.
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Important Information: Series Connections
On May 19, 2010, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) revised its position on in-series metering. As a result, the OEB has directed distributors not to connect any in-series metering configurations to their distribution system as of that date. All electricity distributors must comply with both Measurement Canada and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) requirements to connect renewable generation.
In order for Hydro One to comply with both the OEB and Measurement Canada’s directive, applications which indicate an in-series metering configuration connection are no longer being accepted. However, there are two other metering configuration options available to generators:
1. Connect as a parallel connection
2. Connect as a stand alone configuration.
For further information regarding the OEB directive regarding in-series connections, please refer to the OEB website. |
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microFIT (Projects less than 10 kW) |
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 microFIT is a modified version of the FIT program designed for small projects generating 10 kW or less, such as home rooftop solar panels. Typically, home and small business owners would have project sizes eligible for microFIT contracts. The microFIT contract is a simplified version of the FIT contract and is awarded when the owner has completed the installation.
Learn more about connecting your microFIT project.
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Connection Process for Distribution-connected Generators under FIT*
*NOTE:
- Connection process and the estimated turnaround times are provided below to assist prospective generators in their project planning
- The information is subject to change pending final announcement of rules and regulations from the OPA and OEB.
- Process applies to generators connecting to Hydro One.
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Milestone Phases |
Purpose |
Process Leader |
Estimated Turnaround Time |
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Pre-FIT Consultation
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Assist proponent to gather information necessary to apply for FIT, such as preliminary transmission and distribution testing, broad cost-estimates, etc. |
Hydro One |
15 days upon the receipt of a completed Pre-FIT Consultation application Form A |
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FIT Contract Application |
A process that is managed by the OPA for assessing applications and issuing FIT contracts. |
OPA |
60 days upon completed OPA FIT application |
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Connection Impact Assessment (CIA)
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After the FIT contract has been awarded, the applicant files a CIA with Hydro One for a more formal assessment of the impact of connecting the generator to the system. A System Impact Assessment (SIA) must be completed by the IESO for projects> 10MW.
A very high-level connect cost assessment will be provided as part of the CIA package back to the applicant. |
Hydro One (and IESO if applicable) |
60 days upon the receipt of a completed CIA application Form B.
Longer than 60 days if projects involve other LDC(s). |
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Connection Cost Estimate (CCE) |
If the Applicant requires a detailed connection cost assessment, the Applicant can complete a CCE. |
Hydro One |
90 days upon the receipt of a completed CCE study agreement by the generator. The CCE study agreement and cost are included as part of the CIA package. |
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Connection Cost Agreement (CCA) |
Once agreement of the scope and cost are reached, the Generator is required to sign a Connection Cost Agreement to recover the costs Hydro One will incur to connect the project to the distribution system. |
Hydro One |
6 months from the time CIA is completed. The generator is required to complete a CCA study agreement along with payment in order to initiate the CCA process. The CCA study agreement and payment information will be included as part of the CIA package. |
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Engineering, Procurement and Construction |
After submitting the CCA and payment, detailed design and construction may begin. The project in-service date will be set.
Once all of the required work and approvals are completed, the Distribution Connection Agreement, signed by Hydro One and the Generator, provides an outline of the connection as well as the roles and responsibilities of each party. |
Hydro One |
The project in-service date will be determined at the project kick-off meeting which will take place no later than 45 days after CCA execution. |
A CIA is a more detailed assessment of a project's impact to the grid. The results include a technical report outlining project feasibility, technical specifications needed for the project and the impacts the project would have on the distribution grid. CIAs will only be accepted for projects where the OPA FIT contract has been awarded.
The Generator is required to submit a completed Connection Impact Assessment Form B, payment for the Connection Impact Assessment and a signed Study Agreement. Please email dxgenerationconnections@hydroone.com or by calling 1-877-447-4412 (choose option #2) for a Study Agreement suited to your project size.
A complete CIA application consists of:
- Completed and signed CIA Form
- Payment in full by cheque or money order payable to "Hydro One Networks Inc." (see Connection Impact Assessment Fee Schedule below)
- Signed Study Agreement
- Single Line Diagram (SLD)
NOTE: All technical submissions (Form B, single line diagrams, etc.) for projects greater than 10 kW must be signed and sealed by a licensed Ontario Professional Engineer (P.ENG).
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Project Type |
Project Size |
Cost** |
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Net Metering Projects |
>10 kW and ≤500 kW |
$3,000 |
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Small Projects (Except Net Metering)
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a) ≤ 500 kW connected on distribution system voltage < 15 kV
b) ≤ 1MW connected on distribution system voltage ≥ 15 kV |
$3,000 |
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Mid-Size Projects
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a) ≤ 10 MW but > 500 kW connected on distribution system voltage < 15 kV
b) > 1 MW but ≤ 10 MW connected on distribution system voltage ≥ 15 kV |
$5,000 |
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Large Projects |
> 10 MW |
$6,000 |
**NOTE:
- Refund policy: cost not spent will be refunded if the CIA is withdrawn before completion
- An additional $10,000 will be required for project that involves another LDC (this does not apply to Net Metering Projects)
- Projects that apply for a new CIA after rescinding a previous one will be charged an amount equal to 50% of the applicable CIA fee if the project connects to the same station and feeder.
- Please note that the costs listed above do not include applicable tax. Your CIA fee may be subject to GST, HST, or a combination of both, during the transition period for the implementation of HST.
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Payment Received |
Applicable Tax |
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Before May 21st, 2010 |
100% GST |
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From May 21st to June 10th, 2010 |
50% GST and 50% HST |
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After June 10th, 2010 |
100% HST |
System Impact Assessment (SIA)
A System Impact Assessment (SIA) is a mandatory assessment conducted by the IESO to assess the impact of the connection proposal on the reliability of the integrated power system for projects greater than 10MW.
SIAs are conducted with input from the affected transmitter(s) and in consultation with the connection applicant. This process may take up to 150 days from the time the IESO receives the SIA application, associated documents and deposit. SIA applications sent to the IESO without the accompanying distributor’s CIA are considered incomplete.
Click here for to learn more about the IESO System Impact Assessment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where do I find the most current version of the Form B?
The most current version of the Connection Impact Assessment Form B can be found on the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program website. It is important to use the up to date Form B to avoid delays in processing your CIA application due to an outdated version of the form.
2. Do I have to include equipment information on the Form B? What if I have not purchased my equipment for the project or do not know exactly what equipment I will be using?
It is important that all information requested on the Form B is completed as all the information is required to complete a CIA. If the information is missing or inaccurate this may cause a delay in processing the application and the assessment.
3. Do I need a cut-out from the Hydro One DOM (distribution operating map) to submit with my Form B?
Yes, a CIA application submission is not considered complete without a DOM included in the application package for a CIA.
4. How do I obtain a cut-out from the Hydro One DOM (distribution operating map)?
Prospective proponents can obtain Hydro One's corresponding Distribution Operating Map (DOM) related to their intended location by an e-mail request to dxgenerationconnections@hydroone.com. Please include the following information in your email: proposed project size, GPS coordinates of proposed project site, and mailing address.
5. What is the difference between the Point of Common Coupling and the Point of Connection?
Point of Connection means the point where the new Generator’s connection assets or new line expansion assets will be connected to the existing Hydro One distribution system.
Point of Common Coupling or “PCC” or “Point of Supply” means the point where the Generator’s facilities are to connect to Hydro One’s distribution system.
The Point of Connection and the PCC may be the same, especially if the Generator’s facilities lie along the existing Hydro One distribution system; or the PCC may be located somewhere between the Point of Connection and the Generator’s facilities if new line will be owned by Hydro One. For illustrations of the Point of Connection and the PCC, refer to the CIA Form B, Appendix A.
Still have questions?
For further information on connecting a >10kW generating facility to Hydro One's network, please contact our Business Customer Centre at dxgenerationconnections@hydroone.com or 1-877-447-4412 (Option #2).