Distributed Energy Resources
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are transforming the way communities meet their energy needs, with new technologies that support locally-owned facilities for electricity generation, control, and storage.
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are an electricity source that is connected to the distribution system for the purpose of providing energy, typically through a connection on the customer-side of an ownership demarcation point. Sources generate electricity (e.g. Generation facilities and energy storage facilities when discharging).
Examples of Types of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) include:
- Smart Thermostats
- Solar Photovoltaic Systems
- Battery Storage Systems
- Vehicle-to-Grid Charging Stations
- Gas/Wind/Hydro-Electric Turbines
- Co-Generation (Combined Heat and Power)
Benefits of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) include:
- Give customers control: DERs reduce reliance on the provincial electricity grid by supplying some (or all) of the energy needed for a home, facility or business, which helps lower electricity bills.
- Lower system costs: DERs can be located close to urban centres, which limits (or avoids) the need for new or upgraded transmission lines.
- Provide energy security: DERs can be connected to the local or provincial grid, providing back-up power during emergencies.
If you are considering a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) project, review the Ontario Energy Board’s Distributed Energy Resources Connections Procedures (DERCP) for details on the procedures, timing, and workflows.
DER Connection Procedures for Micro-Embedded Generation Facilities (≤12kW)
View procedures and forms
1. Preliminary Consultation
To initiate the DER connection request, complete the Form C – Connection Application for Micro-Embedded Generation Facility. Send the completed forms to [email protected]. Note: There is no capacity to accommodate DERs on the feeders listed here.
2. Connection Agreement
Upon receipt and approval, ORPC will issue a Connection Agreement for Micro-Embedded Generation Facility form and an Offer to Connect outlining any applicable costs, such as the supply and installation of a bi-directional net meter.
Applicant needs to follow all inspection process required by ESA and ORPC before final connection
DER Connection Procedures for Small, Mid-Sized, and Large Embedded Generation Facilities (>12kW)
View procedures and forms
1. Preliminary Consultation
To initiate the DER connection request, complete a Preliminary Consultation Information Request (PCIR) form and send the completed form to [email protected]. Note: There is no capacity to accommodate DERs on the feeders listed here.
Within 15 days, ORPC will reply with a Preliminary Consultation Report (PCR), identifying if there is capacity to connect the DER project and an initial assessment of connection requirements. This preliminary assessment does not evaluate the potential for the full range of requirements set through the CIA process. Capacity is not reserved until the CIA is completed.
The applicant can request information by calling our office at 1-877-332-3316 or by sending an email to [email protected].
A meeting may be requested by either party during or after the report to discuss any issue with the DER request.
2. Connection Impact Assessment (CIA)
Complete a Connection Impact Assessment Form (CIA) and send the completed form to [email protected]. For instructions and a sample CIA, please refer to the Connection Impact Assessment Instructions document and the SAMPLE Connection Impact Assessment document.
The CIA is a study prepared by ORPC that assesses the steady state and transient reliability and stability impacts of the project at the specific location on the distribution system. Depending on the size of the project and it’s location within the distribution system, an additional CIA by a host distributor and/or a System Impact Assessment by the IESO may also be necessary to assess upstream system impacts.
The table below outlines an anticipated number of additional studies required based on DER classification.
| DER Classifications | Rating | List of Studies | Cost of Study | Timeline |
| Small | (a) ≤ 500 kW connected on distribution system voltage < 15 kV (b) ≤ 1 MW connected on distribution system voltage ≥ 15 kV | 1. ORPC CIA Study | $5,600 + HST | – 60 days (without system reinforcement/ expansion) – 90 days (with system reinforcement/ expansion) |
| Medium | (a) ≤10 MW but > 500 kW connected on distribution system voltage < 15 kV (b) > 1 MW but ≤ 10 MW connected on distribution system voltage ≥ 15 kV | 1. ORPC CIA Study 2. Hydro One CIA | $7,950 + HST | 75 days |
| Large | 10 MW | 1. ORPC CIA Study 2. Hydro One CIA 3. IESO System Impact Assessment | $14,650 + Tax | 105 days |
- The costs assume that the utility feeder model will be provided for the study purposes.
- The costs assume that the connecting DER is inverter-based (IBR) and other types may increase the cost of study
- For generators on a feeder fed from a Hydro One Transmission Station, Hydro One will be required to perform its own connection impact assessment study DTCA (Detailed Technical Connection Assessment), at an additional cost to the customer. ORPC will apply on the customer’s behalf to Hydro One DTCA.
- The Hydro One fee schedule can be found under the ‘Greater than CAE – Capacity Allocation Required Projects’ at: www.hydroone.com/business-services/commercial-industrial-generators-and-ldcs/connection-impact-assessment. The Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) study will be required as per the below table if it was determined initially through the PCR that there is possibility for the proposed DER to be connected to the ORPC’s distribution system.
3. Connection Cost Agreement
Small or Mid-sized Embedded Generation Facility:
Complete a Connection Agreement for a Small or Mid-Sized Embedded Generation Facility and send the completed form to [email protected].
ORPC will review and issue an offer to connect (Connection Cost Agreement – CCA) detailing all applicable costs to connect the DER to ORPC distribution system.
Depending on the size of the project and it’s location within the distribution system, it may be necessary to apply for a Distribution Connection Agreement (DCA) with Hydro One.
Applicant needs to follow all inspection process required by ESA and ORPC before final connection.
Large-sized Embedded Generation Facility:
ORPC will issue and send an offer to connect detailing all technical aspects and applicable costs to connect the DER to ORPC distribution system.
Depending on the size of the project and it’s location within the distribution system, it may be necessary to apply for a Distribution Connection Agreement (DCA) with Hydro One.
Applicant needs to follow all inspection process required by ESA and ORPC before final connection.
Additional Resources
Sample Protection Philosophy for Distributed Energy Resource Proponents Applying for Connection
Download Documents
DERCP – DER Connection Procedures
DERCP – App C-i – Preliminary Consultation Information Request
DERCP – App C-v – Connection Impact Assessment Form
DERCP – App C-vi – Connection Impact Assessment Instructions
DERCP – App C-vii – SAMPLE Connection Impact Assessment
Form C – Connection Application for Micro-Embedded Generation Facility
Connection Agreement for Micro-Embedded Generation Facility
Connection Agreement for a Small or Mid-Sized Embedded Generation Facility
ORPC Load Capacity Map
The Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM) provides transparent, accessible data about the province’s electrical grid capacity for both load and Distributed Energy Resource connections. The CCIM is updated quarterly and can assist with identifying viable locations for new developments, businesses, and electric vehicle projects and compare options for industrial or commercial expansion, or renewable energy projects. While it doesn’t replace the need to contact ORPC, it provides valuable context before those conversations begin.