The Green Energy and Economy Act, 2009 has introduced new Feed in Tariff (FIT) programs managed by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). These programs will allow generation facilities using a renewable source to generate power and sell that power back to the grid. These programs are designed to encourage and facilitate a greater use of renewable resources such as solar, wind, water, and biomass for generating electricity. Such generating projects would be connected into a local utilities distribution system.

In taking part in the Ontario Power Authority's Feed in Tariff Programs, you will be able to generate electricity using an environmentally friendly source and be paid for the electricity you generate a special rates set by the OPA. The OPA has set specific rates based on the method of generation and the amount of electricity you supply back into the utilities distribution system.

What is a Renewable Project? Some examples are:

• wind turbines
• roof-top or ground mounted solar PV panels/ arrays
• waterpower project situated on a watercourse and waterfall
• a generator fueled by biomass on a farm

There are two separate programs with slightly different rules and requirements based on the size of the generation facility. To be eligible for the FIT program the project must have a gross nameplate capacity of no more than 10,000kW. Projects eligible for the microFIT program must have a gross nameplate capacity of no more than 10kW.

To be eligible for either program, your generation project must:

• Use a renewable resource for generation (ex. solar, wind, water, biomass)
• Must be located in the Province of Ontario
• Must be connected to an eligible electricity distribution system voltage in Ontario of 50kV or less.
• Apply to the OPA and receive approval from the OPA to enter into a contract to take part in the microFIT or FIT programs as applicable.
• Have a separate meter suitable for data collection and settlement purposes.

Process for Connection, Guidelines for Applicants Connecting Distributed Generation, & Applications Forms
The process for connecting a generation project to the distribution system differs for microFIT and FIT projects. The process for connection of microFIT project is fairly straight forward and not overly intensive. The process for connection a FIT project is much more intensive in that additional studies (Connection Impact Assessments) and commissioning tests are required as part of the process prior to connection. The following link will provide you with an overview of the connection process for microFIT and FIT projects. We encourage those interested in participating in either program to review our “Guidelines for Applicants Connecting Distributed Generation” for further details.

Recent Changes made by the OPA to the microFIT program require all new microFIT projects be screened for available capacity for applications submitted on or after December 8, 2010. The OPA will ask all microFIT applicants to obtain an Offer to Connect from their respective LDC prior to issuing a conditional microFIT contract. Please see our processes for connection, connection guidelines and application forms at the following link for details.

Important Notice regarding In-Series Connection Requests
On April 9, 2010, the Ontario Power Authority ("OPA") informed distributors that Measurement Canada had indicated that it "will not recognize or support" the in-series metering configuration as described in the OPA's MicroFIT rules. Measurement Canada's concerns would also apply to contracts under the FIT program. The OPA's discussions with Measurement Canada have not resulted in a resolution to this matter. Given that distributors must comply with Measurement Canada's laws, regulations and requirements regarding metering, and given Measurement Canada's current assessment that it will not support in series configurations, the Ontario Energy Board has determined that distributors shall not connect any indirect in series configurations to their distribution system under the MicroFIT or FIT programs. The OPA has also reflected this on their website.

OEB Notice to Distributor's, May 19, 2010

Current Applications and Connected Generation Facilities
In accordance with Ontario Regulation 326/09, Section 4 (4), Halton Hills Hydro Inc. is providing a list of applications for connection of generation facilities. The following information only includes applicants who have formally applied to Halton Hills Hydro using the Connection Review Application Form and does not include net metered connections.

List of Generation Connection Applications (pdf)

If you are excavating land to install your distributed generation system we recommend you contact all local utilities and municipal agencies to obtain locates prior to excavation work. You can request a locate from Halton Hills Hydro by calling 519-853-3700 Ext. 253.

If you are interested in connecting a renewable generation project to Halton Hills Hydro's distribution system please contact us via email at generation@haltonhillshydro.com or by phone at 519-853-3700 Ext. 222 or 905-453-2222 Ext. 222 for more information.

Also, visit the Ontario Power Authority and the Ontario Energy Board for additional microFIT and FIT related information.