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As of April 1, 2019, energy conservation programs in Ontario are changing. The Independent Electricity System Operators (IESO) will manage all conservation programs in the province moving forward. For more information, please visit Hydro One’s Saving Money and Energy page and the IESO’s Energy Efficiency for Business and Industry page.
The Ontario Government recently held public consultations on Industrial Electricity Prices. The government also plans to hold sector-specific consultation sessions with key industries. More information can be found at www.ontario.ca/page/consultations-directory.
Hydro One is dedicated to working with you to meet all of your electrical needs. Whether you are looking for a small business, commercial or industrial connection, the steps below outline the connection process and provide information on what we will do, as well as what you will need to do each step of the way.
In addition to the process outlined below, we also have several resources that will be helpful in planning for your electrical connection.
For connected customer with transformation >2MVA who are planning work at their site, please see our LDA Performing Work resource.
Download Welcome Package
There are multiple phases in the process to connect to our electricity grid. Click the jump links below for details on each phase:
KeyPlayers
GettingStarted
ConnectionAssessment
DesignPhase
ConstructionPhase
AfterConnection
There are five organizations - including the customer - who work together to create new connections to our electricity network.
Electricity consumer. Builds and connects facilities to the electrical grid.
Licensed transmission and distribution utility. Responsible for operating and maintaining the transmission and distribution systems, including new connections once approved. Physically connects your facility and ensures safety.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) manages supply and demand of electricity. Directs flow of electricity across Ontario. Manages conservation and energy-saving programs.
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) regulates electricity utilities in Ontario, including cost responsibility and electricity rates (Transmission System Code and Distribution System Code).
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is mandated to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. The ESA must provide authorization in order for a customer to connect to the system.
In order for us to assess your needs, we’ll need some information from you upfront.
Contact Hydro One to initiate your connection:
If you are a large business with transformation/nameplate capacity greater than or equal to 2 MVA, please complete the Large Customer Contact Form.
For all other connection requests, please call us at 1-888-664-9376 or complete the online form
At a high level, we will need the following:
Project location
Estimated amount of power
Description of your connection and/or business.
Review your information and schedule an initial meeting to discuss your project and the connection process
Depending on your project size, we may request more project details via the New Customer Connection Information (NCCI) form.
In this phase, we’ll review your project information and determine what work is required to get you connected.
Submit your project details and NCCI form (if applicable)
Submit all supporting documents with your application, including Single Line Diagram and Primary Fusing information
Sign off on estimate package and provide payment for Design (if applicable).
Review your connection application to determine the best option to accommodate your connection
Meet you on-site if required
Identify any line expansion, upgrades or IESO studies required
Perform load and motor analysis to ensure you have the power you need
Depending on your project specifics and line expansion requirements, a Class C Estimate may be prepared along with an estimate package for review and acceptance.
Delivering the electricity you need safely requires planning. In this phase, we will design your connection, refine our cost estimate and secure all necessary permits and approvals. If a line expansion is required to accommodate your connection, you will need to pay a staking fee to proceed.
Work with us to determine a target in-service date.
Assign a designer to your project
Create a detailed design for your connection
Work with you to determine a target in-service date
Apply for permits and approvals.
Securing permits and approvals is a key step in getting you connected on time. During the Design phase, we’ll make sure all permits and approvals are secured ahead of Construction.
Wait for Hydro One to secure all required permits and approvals.
Secure all permits and approvals
Review project schedule and keep you up to date.
Review Customer Contract Package
Sign contract and provide payment.
Provide you with a Customer Contract Package for sign-off and payment
Once signed contract and payment are received, we will order construction materials for Hydro One work.
In the Construction phase, we’ll work closely with your project team to prepare your site for connection.
Complete the Schedule B Customer Work identified in your Customer Contract Package
Adhere to all Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) standards and obtain an Authorization to Connect from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
Visit the site and evaluate its readiness
Contact Ontario One Call to ensure digging locations are properly marked
Deliver construction materials
Schedule our construction crew
Complete construction
Perform a protection review – this is dependent on you providing your primary fusing information and must be completed well in advance of your energization date
Energize your site – Connection complete.
Once you are connected, Hydro One’s dedicated Business Customer Centre advisors are here to:
Help resolve inquiries regarding rates, energy usage, your service, billing and payments, meter data access and any other account changes
Provide detailed billing breakdowns and strategic advice for energy management
Help with the process and expectations for service upgrades and new connections
Forecast energy costs of new equipment, new services or service upgrades
Provide advice on Hydro One policies and processes, including how they may relate to OEB regulations and IESO programs
Advise on conservation initiatives available and how customers can apply.
What LDA’s (>2MVA transformation) need know before starting work.
If you are planning to install load displacement, battery storage, emergency backup generation, or any other type of generation, you will need to go through the generation connection process.
ICI allows customers to manage their Global Adjustment (GA) costs by reducing demand during peak periods.
For any distribution connections over 10 MW
What to expect on your electricity bill once you connect
Hydro One has a three-phase process for distribution connections to our grid. Get details for each phase below:
If you are a small- or medium-sized business (over 50 kW monthly demand), please call us at 1-888-664-9376 or complete the online form
A Hydro One representative will schedule an initial customer meeting to discuss your project, the connection process and information needed to get things started
You will be asked to complete a New Customer Connection Information (NCCI) form.
Hydro One’s team will review your connection application to determine whether there is capacity to accommodate your connection and whether any expansion work is required
If a line expansion is required, you will receive a staking fee letter and be asked to provide payment
Hydro One’s team will complete necessary engineering design work and provide a cost estimate
If you wish to proceed, you will enter into a contract with Hydro One and be asked to provide payment.
Note: Depending on the complexity and size of your connection (typically >10 MW), the IESO may need to perform a System Impact Assessment (SIA)
You must schedule and complete an Electrical Safety Authority inspection and provide documentation to Hydro One
Once ESA authorization is received, Hydro One will conduct a final inspection and complete your connection
If you are a registered market participant with the IESO, you will need to enter into a Distribution Connection Agreement with Hydro One.
Depending on the size and scope of your project, approvals may be required throughout the process and could have a significant impact on project timelines. They can include, but are not limited to:
Environmental approvals to construct facilities on environmentally sensitive lands
Municipal approvals and permits, including land easements and land acquisitions
Sufficient capacity available or the need for future expansion.
Provide advice on Hydro One policies and processes, including how they may relate to Ontario Energy Board (OEB) regulations and Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) programs
