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Connection Process for Distribution-connected Generators under FIT 

Milestone Phases

Purpose

Process Leader

Estimated Turnaround Time

Pre-FIT
Consultation

 

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

 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

Connection Impact
Assessment

 

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
 (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).

 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.
 

 Connection
 Cost
 Agreement
 (CCA)

Once the scope and cost are determined 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 - Proponent must submit the CCA application to Hydro One 45 days in advance of the 6 month deadline to allow for processing and completion.

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.

 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.