Generation

Information Regarding Generation Facilities Interconnection to London Hydro

Important Information to Consider:

  • For all projects 20kW and larger SCADA remote trip will be required

  • For all projects 1MW and larger Transfer Trip will be required. 

  • For all projects (Non renewable) 1MW and larger Gross Load Billing will be required.

  • For all projects (renewable) 2MW and larger Gross Load Billing will be required.

 

Generation Programs available:

One of the goals of the Provincial Government is to create more opportunities and encourage the connection of small generation facilities to the electrical distribution grid. As a result, under the direction of the Ministry of Energy, two programs are being offered to any Ontario electricity consumer who can generate electricity from renewable resources:

The Net Metering Program

The Load Displacement Program

Back Up Generation

These programs allow customers to generate some or all of their electric load requirements (referred to as load displacement), and also export the excess power onto the local distribution electrical grid (referred to as an embedded generator). The process is governed by regulated financial settlements with the Local Distribution Company (LDC) in accordance with the Retail Settlement Code (RSC). A generator customer can enter into a contract directly with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) for sale of renewable energy.

What do you need to know about embedded generation? Embedded generation is considered any generation facility which is not directly connected to the transmission grid, but instead is connected to a distribution system. (i.e., London Hydro Inc.)

London Hydro supports the incorporation of embedded generation facilities within the electrical distribution system in the City of London. The process is guided by the latest revision of the Distribution System Code (DSC) issued by the Ontario Energy Board. The Code sets out the minimum obligations that a licensed electricity distributor (such as a LDC) must meet in carrying out its obligations. The latest revision of the Code can be found on the official website of the OEB under Industry Relations/Rules, Codes, Guidelines and Codes.

Generators of electricity are divided into different sizes in accordance with the DSC.

Generator Classification

Generator Size

Available Programs

Micro

< = 10 kW

Net Metering

Small

> = 10 kW and < = 1 MW

Net Metering / up to 500 kW Feed-In-Tariff

Mid-Sized

> = 500 kW and < = 10 MW

Net Metering

Large

> 10 MW

Net Metering

 

London Hydro Inc. will apply its Conditions of Service for any generation interconnection costs and/or any metering changes that London Hydro Inc. deems necessary to allow for settlement purposes under a specific program.

To find out about the requirements for the connection process of a micro-generation facility and how to apply.

To connect a generation facility larger than 10 kW, there is a multi-step process and a different type of application has to be submitted. 

If you are interested in installing a large generation facility and connecting it to the electrical distribution grid, please contact the Generations Department at London Hydro at Engadmin@londonhydro.com.

 

Hydro One has a number of transformer stations within London Hydro's service territory.
  • Buchanan TS
  • Clarke TS
  • Highbury TS
  • Nelson TS
  • Talbot TS
  • Wonderland TS

The approximate service territories of each Transformer Station (TS) in London are depicted on the Generation Capacity Zones map. The ability of the Transformer Stations to accept new generation is monitored and controlled by Hydro One. This information can be found on the Hydro One Station Capacity Calculator. The process of generation interconnection to a distribution grid at a macro level follows this schematic. London Hydro reserves the right to modify it accordingly from case to case.

Step-by-step generation process 

Step 1. Generator contacts the utility to request basic information on generation interconnection.

Step 2. Utility provides information regarding the interconnection process and the external parties involved.

Step 3. Generator acquires information about Government Agencies and Regulations compliance.

Step 4. Generator decides to proceed with the project and makes an application to the utility.

Step 5. Utility performs Impact Assessment and provides an Offer to Connect.

Step 6. Utility and Generator enter into an Agreement (Contract)

Step 7. Generator submits drawings to the utility for approval.

Step 8. Generator installs facility according to the Agreement.

Step 9. Generator provides the utility with an Authorization to Connect from the Electrical Safety Authority.

Step 10.Utility connects the Generation Facility to the Distribution System.

 

Contact Information

For further inquiries on embedded generation interconnection to London Hydro's system or on applications to interconnect a generation facility to London Hydro's distribution system, please contact (519) 661-5800 extension 5883, or email Generation@londonhydro.com