The seven phases are:
Approximate Timeline
An average connection can take anywhere from under two years to over three years to complete.
Important: Various factors, such as the complexity of the project, land issues and approval processes, can extend project timelines significantly.
IESO Connection Assessment and Approval (CAA)
Customers requesting a new or modified connection to our transmission system must apply and register with us and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). The IESO Connection Assessment and Approval (CAA) is a separate process that runs parallel with our Customer Connection Process and is intended to determine the potential impact on the reliability of Ontario’s transmission system grid.
Important Connection Considerations
Regulatory approvals may be required throughout the process and could have a significant impact on project timelines. They can include, but are not limited to:
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Ontario Energy Board (OEB) approvals, such as a Leave to Construct, which is required for transmission lines in excess of 2 km.
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Environmental approvals to construct facilities on environmentally sensitive lands.
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Municipal approvals and permits, including land easements and land acquisitions.
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Existing customers who are planning to upgrade their connection on Hydro One's transmission system, or who require a new or modified connection to their existing facility, should contact their Hydro One Account Executive for initial consultation.
Technical Requirements
Hydro One's Protection Planning Standard for Transmission Load Connections document provides load customers with a valuable guide to the protection requirements needed to support load connection applications on Hydro One's Transmission Network. This document can be downloaded below (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).
Some of the Key Players in the Connection Process
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Consumer (i.e. You)
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Hydro One
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Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
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Ontario Energy Board (OEB)
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Electricity Safety Authority (ESA)
Conservation and Demand Management/Distributed Generation Load Adjustment Guidelines (CDM/DG Load Adjustments)
After completing the connection process, and throughout the duration of your Connection Cost Recovery Agreement (CCRA), Hydro One will perform load true-ups to compare your submitted load forecast to actual load values. True-ups will occur at set anniversaries depending on your Customer Connection Risk Classification outlined in your CCRA. At each true-up point, you will have an opportunity to apply for load adjustments based on Hydro One’s Conservation and Demand Management/Distributed Generation Load Adjustment Guidelines (also known as "CDM/DG Load Adjustments").
See Hydro One's CDM/DG Load Adjustments resources for more information:
Guiding Principles - CDM/DG Load Adjustments
CDM/DG Load Adjustments - For Distributors
CDM/DG Load Adjustments - For Non-distributors