1. business and industrial
2. energy
3. electricity

Title:
Customer Guideline
File No.
7542-2009-2
Prepared by:
Approved by:
Effective Date:
Revision Date:
S. Wang
M. B. McKague
Oct. 22, 2009
Jan. 28, 2010
Document No.
Rev:
KWHDG-1
1
How to Connect Your Generation Facility (≤ 10 kW)
To Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro’s Distribution System
See Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro’s website
for the latest revision
For Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Use Only © 2009
File No. 7542-2009-2 Doc. No. KWHDG-1
Page 1 of 20
Contents
1.
General
2
2.
Contact Information
2
3.
Responsibility of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro
2
4.
Responsibility of the Customer
2
5.
Cost to Be Considered by the Customer
3
6.
Connection Process
3
Appendixes
Appendix A1: Form DG01 - Application to Connect 10kW or Less of Embedded
Generation to Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc.’s Distribution System
Appendix B1: Metering Connection Options for Micro-Generation Facility
Appendix C1: Micro-Generation Financial Settlement Options
Appendix D1: Form DG04 - Template of Connection Agreement
Appendix E1: Form DG05 – New Account Application
Appendix F1: Net Metering
Appendix G1: Feed-In Tariff (FIT) / MicroFIT Program
For Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Use Only © 2009
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Page 2 of 20
GENERAL
This guide applies to the customers with micro-generation facility (nameplate rating of 10kW and below) to be
connected to Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro’s distribution system.
The customer shall contact Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro for more directions if the generation facility has a nameplate
rating larger than 10kW. The complexity of the connection process varies depending on the generator size.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For customer inquiry and application submission, please contact Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. at:
For generation facility no more than 10kW
For generation facility above 10kW
John Theriault
Service Design Supervisor
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc.
Phone: 519-745-4771 Ext 240
Fax: 519-745-0643
Email: JTheriault@kwhydro.ca
Shaun Wang, P. Eng
Projects Engineer
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc.
Phone: 519-745-4771 Ext 312
Fax: 519-745-0643
Email: SWang@kwhydro.ca
RESPONSIBILITY OF KITCHENER-WILMOT HYDRO




The safety, reliability, and efficiency of its distribution system,
Ensuring that the new generation connection does not adversely affect the distribution system or risk the
hydro employees and the existing customers;
Ensuring that the Distribution System Code and applicable standards are followed;
Keep connection cost effective to promote renewable energy.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER

The safety, design, construction, operation, metering, protection and control, and maintenance of the
generating facility.
 Contacting Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro early in the process.
 Contacting the various agencies involved before finalizing plans.
 Ensuring all necessary submissions and agreements are completed and required payments are clear.
In addition to satisfy the requirements listed in this guideline, the customer is solely responsible to obtain regulatory
approvals for installing and operating the micro-generation facility, which may include but not be limited to the
following,
 Compliance with all municipal zoning and land use by-laws, Ontario Building Code, (renewable energy
projects are exempt from municipal zoning and land use by-laws, but the building permit may be required,
please contact City/Township’s Planning Department).
 Renewable Energy Approval for renewable energy project or Certificate of Approval for non-renewable
energy project (please consult Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Natural Resources)
 Connection Authorization by Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
ESA approval will be required before the micro-generation facility is allowed to connect. The ESA can be contacted
at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (1-877-372-7233). The ESA website is http://www.esasafe.com/ . The ESA has published a
booklet entitled ‘Electrical Guidelines for Inverter-Based Micro-Generator Facility (10kW and Smaller)’ which is
helpful for the Customer.
File link: http://www.esasafe.com/pdf/Micro_Embedded_Generation_Facilities_Guidelines.pdf
COSTS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CUSTOMER








Equipment and Installation.
Inspection by ESA
Permitting and other approvals
Connection/Metering costs by Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro
Monthly account charge by Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro
Regular maintenance costs
Legal and insurance costs
Tax and accounting costs (municipal property tax may increase; income from generation is taxable.)
For Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Use Only © 2009
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Page 3 of 20
CONNECTION PROCESS
Subject to all applicable laws, by-laws, regulation and codes, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will make all reasonable
efforts to promptly connect a generation facility to its distribution system.
1) Request Information
The Customer proposing the installation of a micro-generation facility (≤ 10kW) contacts Kitchener-Wilmot
Hydro and ESA separately for information. The Customer may contact Ontario Power Authority (OPA) if
the Customer is interested in the Feed-In Tariff (MicroFIT) Program.
2) Provide Information
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro provides a copy of this guideline to the Customer within 5 business days to explain
the connection process and requirements including the application form and Connection Agreement
template.
ESA provides information on electrical safety requirements.
3) Develop Plan and Register Project
The Customer reviews relevant information from Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and ESA on the proposed
project, and puts together an installation plan.
If the Customer is eligible to the MicroFIT program and decides to participate in, the Customer should
register the project on-line following the OPA MicroFIT link below and receive the Conditional Offer from
OPA before submitting the Hydro Application (Step 4).
Link: www.microfit.powerauthority.on.ca.
4) Submit Hydro Application
The Customer submits Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro a completed application form (Appendix A1: Form DG03)
with all required information.
5) Submit ESA Inspection Application
The Customer submits ESA plans and specific information for inspection. This application runs in parallel
with the Step 6).
6) Review Hydro Application
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro reviews the connection application.
6A) For Micro-Generation Facility at Existing Customer Connection
Within 15 calendar days from receipt of the completed application, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will issue the
Customer an Offer to Connect or provide reasons for rejection.
The Offer to Connect will outline the technical requirements (metering and/or service upgrade), costs and
timing to implement.
Typical requirement for micro generator 10kW and smaller is a new meter for parallel connection; or two
new meters for a series-connected (behind-the-meter) micro generator.
Kitchener will not charge for the preparation of the Offer to Connect.
The Offer to Connect is valid for 30 calendar days from issuance. The Customer shall indicate his/her intent
within this time frame.
6B) For Micro-Generation Facility Not at Existing Customer Connection
A new customer service connection shall be first established before the micro-generation facility can be
connected. This may extend the time line in Step 8) since more connection work will be required.
7) Install DG
If the customer accepts the Offer to Connect and decides to proceed, the Customer will
 Make a payment to Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro for upgrades (metering) as indicated in the Offer to
Connect;
 Start micro-generation facility installation;
 Work closely with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro, the ESA and any other organizations from which
work, inspections, approvals or licenses are required to prevent delays;
 Sign a new generation account application with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro
 Complete, sign and return two (2) copies of Connection Agreement (Appendix D1: Form DG04) to
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro;
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

Complete, sign and return a New Account Application Form (Appendix E1) to Kitchener-Wilmot
Hydro, a valid ID, like driver’s license is required (not required for Net Metering Program); and
Arrange electrical inspection with ESA.
8) Final Connection
8A) For all Customers
The Customer shall contact Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro after the ESA completes the inspection and issues an
Authorization to Connect. Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will check the following Customer commitments before
the final connection.

Payment to Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro clear

Connection Agreement Signed

New Account Application received with verified ID (if required)

Connection Authorization received directly from ESA
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will make the final connection within 5 business days when all above Customer
commitments have been satisfied.
8B) Additional requirements for MicroFIT Customer only
Within 5 business days from the final connection, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro informs OPA the connection
details.
OPA prepares and offers the Customer the on-line MicroFIT contract.
The Customer signs the MicroFIT contract on-line within the required time frame, and informs KitchenerWilmot Hydro.
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will start recording the generation once the final connection is made.
The payment for the generation will be issued in accordance with the current established billing period.
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro cannot issue the MicroFIT payment until a signed MicroFIT contract is in place.
Figure 1: Connection Process for Micro-Generation Facility (≤ 10kW) (Courtesy of OEB)
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Appendix B1: Metering Connection Options for Micro-Generation Facility
A. MicroFIT Program
Micro-Generators under MicroFIT program can select one of three metering connections:
1.
2.
3.
Direct Connection
Indirect Parallel Connection
Indirect Series Connection
In the Direct Connection, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will install a separate service to connect the
generator to Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro’s system. A bi-directional meter is required for the generator.
The generator has a separate service and incurs the fixed monthly customer charge.
In the Indirect Parallel Connection, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will utilize the existing load service
of the customer to connect the generator. The generator and its bi-directional meter will be installed
in parallel with the load service meter of the customer. The point of connection is at both meters
owned by Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro. The generator has a separate meter service and incurs the
monthly customer charge.
In the Indirect Series Connection, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will replace the existing load service
meter with a bi-directional service meter (M1). The generator and its bi-directional meter (M2) will
be connected in series with the customer’s load behind the replaced service meter. The point of
connection is at the meter M1 owned by Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro. The generator has a separate
account and incurs the monthly customer charge.
B. Net Metering Program
Under the Net Metering program, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will replace the existing load service meter
with a bi-directional service meter. The point of connection is at the replaced meter owned by KitchenerWilmot Hydro. The customer with the Net Metered generator has only one meter and one account thus
incurs the monthly charge same as the regular load customer.
General
Fig. 1 illustrates the typical metering connection for 120/240 or 120/208 Volts single phase microgeneration facility under either MicroFIT program or Net Metering Program, for information only. The
metering configuration may vary depending on the connection voltage and phasing, the existing service
connection and other site-specific details. All connected generators shall comply with the requirements in
Section 2.3.7 of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro’s Conditions of Service. Each new meter configuration will be
reviewed and approved by Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro on a case-by-case basis.
All connected generators under either MicroFIT program or Net Metering program should have an
isolation device behind the generation meter in compliance with Section 84 of the Ontario Electrical Safety
Code and agrees to allow the Distributor’s staff to access to and operation of this isolation device as
required for the maintenance and repair of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro’s Distribution System. This isolation
device shall be placed beside the Hydro meter for easy access. For existing load customer, the new
generation meter shall be placed beside the existing Hydro meter. No matter which metering connection is
selected Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro owns all Hydro meters.
Settlement of energy produced under different metering configuration is not the same. The cost of metering
may vary depending on specific metering configuration and site details.
If the existing Net Metering customer plans to switch to the MicroFIT program, the customer must provide
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro a 90-day written notice to terminate the Net Metering agreement.
For Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Use Only © 2009
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(a) FIT Program- Direct Connection
(b) FIT Program- Indirect Parallel Connection
(c) FIT Program- Indirect Series Connection
(d) Net Metering Program
Fig 1. Metering Illustration for Micro Generation Facilities
(120/240 or 120/208 Volts Single-Phase)
For Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Use Only © 2009
File No. 7542-2009-2 Doc. No. KWHDG-1
Page 10 of 20
Appendix C1:
Micro-Generation Financial Settlement Options
Micro-Generation (≤10kW)
Connection Inquiry
Generator
Type
Settlement
Options
Renewable Generation
(Solar, Wind, Waterpower, Bio-mass etc.)
Net Metering
Net Metering measures the
quantity of electricity used
against the quantity of
electricity generated.
Settlement
Description
The customer to be billed in a
‘net’ total
The customer could use the
credit to reduce the future
utility bill. The surplus
generation to be carried over
for up to a year.
MicroFIT Program
An OPA incentive program
The customer to sell the
electricity generated to OPA
under contract.
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro to pay
the customer the contract
price.
Metering change is required
Non-Renewable Generation
(Natural Gas, Diesel, Vegetable oil etc.)
Load Displacement
Sell Electricity to
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro
The generation will be purely
used to reduce the load
consumption.
The customer to sell the
energy generation to
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro.
The customer will not get paid
if there is excess electricity
back fed the grids.
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro to
pay the customer Hourly
Ontario Energy Price (HOEP)
according to the Retail
Settlement Code.
No metering change is
required (same as a load
customer).
Metering change is required.
Metering change is required.
For Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Use Only © 2009
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Appendix D1
FORM DG04 - Micro-Generation Facility Connection Agreement
This Connection Agreement is made this ___ day of ______________, _______.
BETWEEN
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc.
, (the “Distributor”)
AND
____________________________, (the “Customer”)
(each a “Party” and collectively the “Parties”)
In consideration of the Distributor agreeing to allow the Customer to connect the Customer’s 10 kW name-plate rated
capacity or smaller Generation Facility to the Distributor’s Distribution System, the Customer hereby agrees to the following
terms and conditions.
Eligibility
The Customer agrees that the Customer’s generation connection shall be subject to all applicable laws and bound by
the terms and conditions of the Distributor’s Conditions of Service as amended from time-to-time, which have been
filed with the OEB and are available on request.
Technical Requirements
The Customer represents and warrants that the Customer has installed or will install prior to the connection of the
Customer’s Generation Facility to the Distributor’s Distribution System, an isolation device satisfying Section 84 of
the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and agrees to allow the Distributor’s staff access to and operation of this as
required for the maintenance and repair of its Distribution System.
The Customer agrees to perform regular scheduled maintenance to the Customer’s Generation Facility as outlined
by the manufacturer in order to assure that connection devices, protection systems, and control systems are
maintained in good working order and in compliance with all applicable laws.
The Customer agrees that during a power outage on the Distributor’s Distribution System the Customer’s
Generation Facility will shut down, unless the Customer has installed special transfer and isolating capabilities on
the Customer’s Generation Facility. The Customer agrees to the automatic disconnection of the Customer’s
Generation Facility from the Customer’s Distribution System, as per the generator protective relay settings set out
in this Agreement, in the event of a power outage on the Customer’s Distribution System or any abnormal operation
of the Distributor’s Distribution System.
The Customer covenants and agrees that the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of the Customer’s
Generation Facility are conducted in a manner that ensures the safety and security of both the Generation Facility
and the Distributor’s Distribution System.
Due to the Distributor’s obligation to maintain the safety and reliability of its Distribution System, the Customer
acknowledges and agrees that in the event the Distributor determines that the Customer’s Generation Facility (i)
causes damage to; and/or (ii) is producing adverse effects affecting other Distribution System customers or the
Distributor’s assets, the Customer will disconnect the Customer’s Generation Facility immediately from the
Distribution System upon direction from the Distributor and correct the problem at the Customer’s own expense
prior to reconnection.
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Liabilities
The Customer and the Distributor will indemnify and save each other harmless for all damages and/or adverse
effects resulting from either Party’s negligence or wilful misconduct in the connection and operation of the
Customer’s Generation Facility or the Distributor’s Distribution System.
The Distributor and the Customer shall not be liable to each other under any circumstances whatsoever for any loss
of profits or revenues, business interruptions losses, loss of contract or loss of goodwill, or for any indirect,
consequential, incidental or special damages, including but not limited to punitive or exemplary damages, whether
any of the said liability, loss or damages arise in contract, tort or otherwise.
Compensation and Billing
If the Customer is not an embedded retail generator, the Customer agrees that, subject to any applicable Law:
a.
b.
the Distributor will not pay the Customer for any excess generation that results in a net delivery to the
Distributor between meter reads; and
there will be no carryover of excess generation from one billing period to the next unless the Customer is,
at the relevant time, a net metered generator (as defined in section 6.7.1 of the Distribution System Code).
If the Customer is an embedded retail generator selling output from the embedded generation facility to the Ontario
Power Authority under contract, the Customer agrees that the Distributor will pay the Customer for generation in
accordance with the Retail Settlement Code.
If the Customer is an embedded retail generator delivering and selling output to the Distributor, the Customer agrees
that the Distributor will pay the Customer for generation in accordance with the Retail Settlement Code.
Termination
The Customer understands that the Customer has the right to terminate this agreement at any time, and that by doing
so the Customer is required to disconnect the Customer’s Generation Facility and notify the Distributor of such
action.
Assignment
The Customer may assign the Customer’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with the consent of the
Distributor, which shall not withhold its consent unreasonably. The Distributor shall have the right to assign its
rights and obligations under this Agreement without the Customer’s consent.
I understand, accept and agree to comply with and be bound by the above terms and conditions governing the connection of
my Generation Facility to the Distributor’s Distribution System.
Customer Signature:
Date:
Print name and Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro account number:
I confirm that the following information is true and accurate:
Nameplate rating of generator: __________KW
Total installed generation ________KW
Type:
П Hydraulic Turbine
П Wind Turbine
П Photovoltaic (Solar)
П Fuel Cell
П Other _______________________________
Inverter Utilized: П Yes
Inverter Certification:
П No
П C22.2 #107.1 П UL 1741
П Site certified by the ESA
For office use:
Station _________________________ Feeder ________ Date Connected ______________
For Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Use Only © 2009
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Doc. No. KWHDG-1
Page 13 of 20
Generator Protective Relay Settings
Table 1 – Inverter Based Generation
The following relay settings shall be used for inverters built to the CSA standard:
Source: CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01 Table 16
System Voltage, Vn = V nominal
V (Volts)
V < 0.5 Vn
0.5 Vn ≤ V < 0.88 Vn
1.10 Vn ≤ V < 1.37 Vn
V > 1.37 Vn
Vn
Vn
Frequency
F (Hertz)
60
60
60
60
F < 59.5*
F > 60.5
Maximum number of cycles to disconnect
Seconds
Cycles
0.1
2
2
0.033
0.1
0.1
6
120
120
2
6
6
* The UL1741 & IEEE P1547 Standards use F < rated-0.7 i.e. 59.3 Hz. To update if
CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01 is changed
Table 2 – Non-Inverter Generation
The Distributor’s minimum requirements, for other generation are as follows:
System Voltage, Vn = V nominal
V (Volts)
V < 0.5 Vn
0.5 Vn ≤ V < 0.88 Vn
1.10 Vn ≤ V < 1.20 Vn
V > 1.20 Vn
Vn
Vn
Frequency
F (Hertz)
60
60
60
60
F < 59.3
F > 60.5
Maximum clearing time*
Seconds
Cycles
0.16
2
1
0.16
0.16
0.16
9.6
120
60
9.6
9.6
9.6
*Clearing time is the time between the start of the abnormal condition and the generation ceasing to energize the
Distributor’s Distribution System
If the Customer is uncertain about the Customer’s generation equipment’s protective relay settings, the Customer should
check with the generating equipment supplier.
Automatic reconnect setting time for the Customer’s generator is after 5 minutes of normal voltage and frequency on the
Distributor’s Distribution System.
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Appendix E1: Form DG05
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Appendix F1: NET METERING
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro keeps a Net Metering Policy in place to assist eligible customers to participate in the Net Metering
program in compliance with Ontario Regulation 541/05 - Net Metering, which became effective on February 10, 2006.
1.
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is a program applicable to the eligible customers with specific renewable generation facilities. Net metering
measures the quantity of electricity the customer uses against the quantity of electricity the customer generates. This results
in a "net" total from which the utility bill is calculated.
As a 'net metering' customer, if the generation is higher than the consumption, the customer can carry the generation credit to
offset the current or future utility bill. The net metering customer will not receive payment for any excess generation sent
back to the grids.
2.
Who is Eligible to Net Metering?
Participation in the Net Metering Program is available to all Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro customers with a generator that meets
all of the following conditions:
(a) The electricity is solely generated from one or more of the following renewable energy sources:
 Wind
 Drop in water elevation
 Solar radiation
 Agricultural bio-mass.
(b) The electricity is generated primarily for the customer's own use;
(c) The electricity generated is conveyed to the customer's own consumption point without reliance on the KitchenerWilmot hydro’s distribution system;
(d) The total generation capacity should be 500 kW or less.
3.
How is your hydro bill calculated under Net Metering?
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro will read your meter just as we do now. The bill you see will reflect the difference between the
value of the energy you consumed from the grid and the energy you exported to the grid. All of the regulated charges will
only apply to your net consumption. If the portion of your energy bill is zero or a credit, you’ll only see a fixed monthly
account charge in your bill. If you have more credit than you can apply to one bill, you can carry the balance forward for up
to 12 months to offset your future utility bill.
4.
Can a Net Metering customer sell the extra electricity generated?
A Net Metering customer cannot sell extra electricity to Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro.
5.
Can a Net Metering customer cancel the agreement?
Yes, all you need is to provide Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro 90-day written notice.
For More Information:
http://www.mei.gov.on.ca.wsd6.korax.net/english/pdf/renewable/NetMeteringBrochure.pdf
For Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Use Only © 2009
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Appendix G1: FEED-IN TARIFF (FIT) / MicroFIT PROGRAM
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro keeps a Feed-In Tariff Program Policy in place to assist eligible customers to participate in the
OPA (Ontario Power Authority) MicroFIT, which became effective on Oct. 1st, 2009.
1. What is Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff Program?
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.
Ontario’s FIT Program is the first of its kind in North America. While it incorporates lessons learned in several European
countries and other jurisdictions, it has been specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of Ontario’s electricity system and
situation.
2. How is the MicroFIT Program different from the FIT Program?
The microFIT Program is a "stream" or component of the FIT Program, designed specifically to encourage the development
of micro-scale renewable energy projects, such as residential solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and small wind power
facilities. These are often referred to as "micro-generators".
The main differences are in the eligibility criteria, the contracting process and the rules. Projects eligible for MicroFIT must
have a generating capacity of 10 kW or less. The contracting and application process is streamlined and the contract is
simplified.
Projects with a generating capacity greater than 10 kW must apply to the FIT Program.
3. Who is Eligible to MicroFIT Program?
Your project must meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for the MicroFIT Program. A MicroFIT project must:
 be a renewable energy facility that uses solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, waterpower and bioenergy (biogas, biomass,
landfill gas)
 be 10 kW or less in size and located in Ontario
 be connected, directly or indirectly, to the distribution system
 must have proper metering that is suitable for data collection and payment calculation.
 meet the Domestic Content requirement if it is solar PV project.
4.
What is the pricing under MicroFIT Program?
For generation facility no more than 10kW
Renewable Technology Prices
Contract Term
Solar PV
80.2 ¢/kWh
20 years
Wind
13.5 ¢/kWh
20 years
Waterpower
13.1 ¢/kWh
40 years
Biomass
13.8 ¢/kWh
20 years
Biogas
16.0 ¢/kWh
20 years
Landfill gas
11.1 ¢/kWh
20 years
Check OPA website for the latest revision.
5.
How can I get started?
Visit OPA MicroFIT Program website: www.microfit.powerauthority.on.ca.
Call OPA at 1-888-387-3403.
For Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Use Only © 2009
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