Renewable Generation
Distributed Energy Resource (Renewable Generation)
Customers interested in connecting Distributed Energy Resources (DER) such as renewable generation to the distribution system are encouraged to review Halton Hills Hydro’s generation connection requirements and process contained in our Connected Distributed Energy Resources guide and contact our Engineering Department at 519-853-3700 Ext. 213 or generation@haltonhillshydro.com.
Generation Connected in Halton Hills: 7855kW as of January 1, 2026.
Halton Hills Hydro’s DER connection process is governed by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) Distribution System Code (DSC) and the OEB Distributed Energy Resources Connection Procedures (DERCP).
Halton Hills Hydro is accepting connection requests from customers interested in installing a Distributed Energy Resource at their home, farm, or facility.
What are Distributed Energy Resources?
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
- battery storage system
- combination of any of these technologies and other technologies that generate power
Process for Connection, Connecting Distributed Energy Resources, & Applications Forms
The process for connecting a distributed energy resource project to the distribution system is outlined in the “Connecting Distributed Energy Resources” guide. We encourage any customers interested in connecting a distributed energy resource to review these guidelines and contact our Engineering Department to discuss your project.
Customers requesting a pre-consultation with Halton Hills Hydro about their project can complete our DER located in Appendix 2 of our guide. We recommend completing the initial preliminary consultation stage prior to submitting a Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) application and making significant project investments to determine the viability of your project. Application forms can be submitted to generation@haltonhillshydro.com
Application Forms & Pre-Consultation
Pre-consultation Request Form (PCIR)
Connection of Micro-Embedded Generation Application Form (<=10kW)
Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) Application Form (>10kW up to 10MW)
Protection Philosophy Requirements Form (10kW up to 10MW) Located in Guide Page 30.
Please note: All documents must be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer
Halton Hills Hydro’s Engineering Department will review all pre-consultation and connection impact assessment applications for completeness. Approximate response times for completed applications are 15 business days for PCIR forms.
Applicants applying to connect generation projects greater than 10kW shall submit the Connection Impact Assessment Application with single line diagram, site plan, and their Protection Philosophy. Applicants shall ensure their protection philosophy follows Halton Hills Hydro’s protection philosophy linked above.
Applicants should be aware that connection impact assessments can take up to 60 days to complete where no distribution system expansion is required, and no upstream transmitter CIA is required. Applicants will be advised of any expected delays.
A completed CIA along with Connection Cost Agreement (Offer to Connect) outlining requirements for connection and any system upgrades that may be necessary, and the applicable Connection Agreement will be provided to the applicant. Published response timelines are approximate and apply to complete applications. Incomplete submissions may pause the review until required information, technical drawings, and fees are received.
Commissioning & Equipment Verification Report (CVER)
Applicants eligible for Simplified CIA’s or where projects are allocated threshold capacity are required to complete the Commissioning & Equipment Verification Report (CVER) A copy will be sent with the Offer to Connect and Connection Cost Recovery Agreement.
Thinking about reducing your electricity costs by generating your own electricity? Then you may be interested in Halton Hills Hydro’s Net Metering program. Read on to learn more about our Net Metering program for generation of 500kW or less and the steps involved.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering eligibility, billing treatment, and third-party arrangements are subject to Ontario Regulation 541/05 (Net Metering) and applicable OEB requirements. Customers should review agreement terms and disclosures before entering into any third-party ownership or power purchase arrangement.
- Net metering measures the consumption of electricity you use against the amount of electricity you generate resulting in a “net” total from which your bill is calculated.
- Net Metering is ideal for those looking to reduce electricity costs.
- Under the Net Metering Agreement, excess generation credits can be carried forward up to twelve months to offset future electricity costs.
- Applicable generation types for net metered connections include renewable energy sources such as Solar PV, wind, and water.
How will my bill be calculated?
Halton Hills Hydro will continue to read your meter as we do now. The bill you see will reflect the difference between the value of the electricity you return to the grid and the value of electricity you consume from the grid. If your net consumption for a billing period is zero, or results in a credit, the delivery portion of your bill will not include kilowatt-hour-based charges, and the net credit will be carried forward to the next billing cycle. Settlement of Net Metered accounts will follow O. Reg. 541/05.
What is the process to connect to Halton Hills Hydro’s Distribution System?
- Complete Preliminary Consultation Information Request Form (PCIR) and submit to Halton Hills Hydro.
- Halton Hills Hydro’s Engineering Department will provide a response to your PCIR within approximately 10-15 days.
- If there is sufficient capacity to connect your project, make an application to Halton Hills Hydro using:
- Halton Hills Hydro’s Engineering Department will review your application for completeness and process your application in accordance with our Connected Distributed Energy Resources Guide and the Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) Distribution System Code.
- Halton Hills Hydro recommends that all generator equipment be certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). If it isn’t, equipment must be site-certified by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
- Installation of all generation facilities must be approved by the ESA and Connection Authorization provided to Halton Hills Hydro prior to connection.
- To comply with Section 84 of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, you are required to have an isolation switch (visible, accessible, and lockable) located between the meter and your equipment.
Technical and Metering
Final connection is subject to compliance with the Conditions of Service, DER connection requirements, metering requirements, ESA authorization, and all applicable agreements. Metering and telemetry requirements will vary by project size, technology, feeder conditions, and monitoring/control needs.
All generation sites shall comply with Halton Hills Hydro’s Conditions of Service, Connecting Distributed Energy Resources Guide, applicable agreements, Ontario Electrical Safety Code, and applicable laws, regulations, and codes.
In order to bill you on a net metering basis and comply with the requirements of Measurement Canada, meter replacement may be required. You will be responsible for costs associated with Halton Hills Hydro upgrading the meter for your installation.
Agreements for Net Metering
- For micro-embedded generation of 10kW or less – Micro-Embedded Connection Agreement.
- For projects greater than 10kW up to 10MW – Small-to-Mid Sized Generator Connection Agreement.
Connection Costs
Cost responsibility will be determined in accordance with applicable OEB rules, the DER connection process, and project-specific study results. The Connection Cost Agreement / Connection Cost Recovery Agreement will identify utility work, customer scope, and the applicable cost estimate for connection.
You will be responsible for the costs of any modifications to Halton Hills Hydro’s distribution system, including transformer changes needed to connect your generation facility. You will also be responsible for any remote telemetry units (RTU’s), radios, and other devices that may be necessary where Halton Hills Hydro requires site monitoring and control of your generation project. Applicable costs related to your project are provided as part of our Connection Cost Agreement.
DER Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) Fee Schedule
| Subtotal | HST | Total | |
| >10kW up to 250kW (Capacity Allocated Feeder) | $ 8,483.04 | $ 1,102.80 | $ 9,585.84 |
| >10kW up to 250kW (Non-Capacity Allocated Feeder) | $ 15,562.08 | $ 2,023.07 | $ 17,585.15 |
| >250kW up to 10MW (All DER projects greater than 250kW) | $ 25,927.57 | $ 3,370.58 | $ 29,298.15 |
| Simplified CIA (>10kW up to 100kW) – Threshold Capacity Available | $ 4,200.00 | $ 546.00 | $ 4,746.00 |
These fees are to be used in Section P “CIA Application Fee Checklist” of the Connection Impact Assessment Application Form.
Prices are subject to change without notice. Applicants should ensure fees are current prior to applying.
Projects greater than 250kW and/ or connecting to a non-capacity allocated feeder require a CIA by the upstream transmitter. Halton Hills Hydro will advise applicants when upstream transmitter CIA’s are required and will apply to the upstream transmitter for their CIA on behalf of the applicant.
Applicants shall include CIA payment with completed application including site drawings, electrical single line diagrams, protection philosophy, and other information as may be required to fully assess the project.
- CIA fees represent the costs for performing the Connection Impact Assessment study only.
- An additional fee will be required for projects that involve another LDC.
- CIA revisions will be charged.
- Refund policy: Any money not spent will be refunded if the CIA is withdrawn before completion.
Currently, there are feeder restrictions for connecting Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in Halton Hills Hydro’s distribution territory.
| Halton Hills MTS | 1M3 |
| 1M4 | |
| 1M5 | |
| 1M6 |
Please refer to the System Capacity Map, Available DER Hosting Capacity. https://www.oeb.ca/ontarios-energy-sector/centralized-capacity-information-map or https://oeb.planview.ca/Ontario-capacity-map/
The OEB Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM) provides province-wide DER hosting and load capacity information. CCIM data is a planning aid and does not replace Halton Hills Hydro’s preliminary consultation or CIA review for a specific project.
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) website contains useful information about DER and EV connections, process, and documentation. Halton Hills Hydro recommends you also review information available on the OEB’s website.
- DER Connection Review Process: https://engagewithus.oeb.ca/derandevchargingconnections
- Distribution System Code: https://www.oeb.ca/regulatory-rules-and-documents/rules-codes-and-requirements/distribution-system-code-dsc
- ESA Spec 004 Guidelines for Microgeneration
- ESA Spec 005 Guidelines for Installation of Parallel Generating Systems > 10kW
Halton Hills Hydro offers a Simplified Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) compliant with OEB Guidelines that are designed to streamline the process of connecting small-scale generation projects (≤100 kW) to the electricity distribution grid. These guidelines help ensure that new small scale distributed energy resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar, small wind turbines, and battery storage, can be integrated efficiently while maintaining grid safety, reliability, and power quality.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Simplified CIA process, a project must meet specific conditions, including:
- A nameplace capacity of:
- >10kW and <= 30kW (single phase, 16kV or less); or
- >30kW and <= 100kW (single/ three phase, 16kV or less).
- Located in an area where the total generation on the feeder does not exceed 7% of the annual peak load.
- The project does not require an upstream distribution or transmission system impact assessments.
- Compliance with technical and safety requirements of HHHI.
If a project does not meet these criteria, it must undergo a Full CIA, which involves a more detailed technical assessment.
Application and Review Process
Step 1: Preliminary Screening
The project proponent must first consult with Halton Hills Hydro to determine whether the project qualifies for a Simplified CIA. To begin the preliminary consultation, complete and submit the Pre-consultation Request Form (PCIR) and submit to generation@haltonhillshydro.com. Our Engineering Department staff will contact you within 15 business days to discuss your proposal and provide a response.
If the pre-consultation identifies that the applicant’s proposal meets the criteria for a Simplified CIA, Halton Hills Hydro’s Engineering Department will advise the applicant of next steps to submit a CIA application.
Step 2: Application Submission
Once deemed eligible, the applicant submits a CIA Application form found in the Forms section of the website. This includes technical details such as:
- Project location and connection point.
- Equipment specifications (e.g., inverter ratings, protective relays).
- Load flow analysis and expected generation capacity.
- Single Line Diagram that includes at minimum the sources of generation, wire sizes, protective devices and IEEE numbers, meter location, utility disconnect switch, Point of Common Coupling (PCC), and Point of Connection (POC).
- Site plan showing location of generation, utility disconnect switch, and meter.
- Protection philosophy (see Halton Hills Hydro’s Connecting Distributed Energy Resources and OEB DERCP Guidelines).
- Proposed project schedule.
- The application, single line diagram, and protection philosophy must be sealed by a Professional Engineer (for projects > 30kW).
Additionally, the applicant shall submit payment for the CIA in accordance with Halton Hills Hydro’s CIA fee structure available on the website (DER Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) Fee Schedule) with their application.
Step 3: Connection Impact Assessment
Once a full application is received, Halton Hills Hydro will begin a Connection Impact Assessment (CIA). The CIA will review the proposed projects:
- Impact on voltage levels at the connection point.
- Protection coordination with existing grid infrastructure.
- Power quality considerations, such as harmonics and flicker.
Step 4: Approval or Further Study
- Following completion of the CIA, if no significant distribution system impact is identified, the project is approved under the Simplified CIA process.
- Halton Hills Hydro will provide the applicant with a Connection Cost Recovery Agreement (CCRA), CIA report, a Commissioning & Equipment Verification Report (CVER), and Connection Agreement within approximately 45 business days following a complete submission. Additional related information as applicable will be provided.
- If potential issues are found, Halton Hills Hydro will advise the proponent that a full CIA, possibly including an upstream LDC, is required to conduct a more detailed technical review.
Step 5: Construction, Telemetry, and Commissioning
The applicant shall provide Halton Hills Hydro with a current construction schedule that includes provisions for Halton Hills Hydro’s telemetry point verification testing and commissioning.
Halton Hills Hydro Engineering staff will advise the applicant of any missing information, agreements, or fees.
Once approved by Halton Hills Hydro’s Engineering Department, the applicant can start making material investments in their equipment.
Telemetry (if required):
- Halton Hills Hydro will supply and install a modem which the applicant shall connect to their Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC).
- The applicant shall provide any telemetry points and network information to Halton Hills Hydro a minimum of eight (8) weeks prior to commissioning to allow Halton Hills Hydro sufficient time to add the project to SCADA.
- Approximately three (3) weeks prior to commissioning, perform a point verification test of telemetric points and record the results.
Step 6: Commissioning
The applicant shall schedule with Halton Hills Hydro their commissioning date at minimum three (3) weeks in advance to allow for Engineering and Control Room staff to schedule resources.
- The applicant is required to complete Halton Hills Hydro’s Commissioning and Equipment Verification Report (CVER) and submit to Halton Hills Hydro prior to permanent use of the DER. The CVER shall be sealed by a Professional Engineer registered with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
- Accompanying the CVER, the applicant shall submit a letter sealed by a Professional Engineer attesting that:
- The DER has been constructed and commissioned in accordance with CSA, OESC, IEEE, and other applicable industry standards, provincial and local laws, by-laws, Act
’s, and Regulations. - The DER’s operations are consistent with the protection philosophy, and all protective equipment has been installed, commissioned, and operated as designed.
- The DER has been constructed and commissioned in accordance with CSA, OESC, IEEE, and other applicable industry standards, provincial and local laws, by-laws, Act
- Submit their own commissioning and test reports in addition to CVER.
- Conduct a live point verification test of all telemetric data ensuring that Halton Hills Hydro’s SCADA shows proper values (if applicable).
- The applicant shall provide ESA Connection Authorization for temporary connection during commissioning and a final Connection Authorization for continued operation of their DER.
- When satisfied, Halton Hills Hydro shall advise the applicant they can continue operation of their DER.
Step 7: Post Commissioning
Following successful commissioning, the applicant shall submit as-built drawings including single line diagrams.
Halton Hills Hydro shall submit a Letter of Equivalency to Hydro One as applicable.
Approximately 2 months following project completion, Halton Hills Hydro shall provide the applicant with a final cost report and provide a refund or request additional payments as applicable.
Next Steps for Prospective Applicants
If you are uncertain whether your project qualifies for the simplified CIA process, contact our engineering department at generation@haltonhillshydro.com.
Applicants should work closely with Halton Hills Hydro’s Engineering Department to ensure compliance with our connection requirements. If a project does not qualify for the Simplified CIA, Halton Hills Hydro will guide the applicant through the full CIA process. To begin the process, complete and submit the Pre-consultation Request Form (PCIR) and submit to generation@haltonhillshydro.com. Our Engineering Department staff will contact you within 15 business days to discuss your proposal and provide a response.