Distributed Energy Resources
As of October 1st, 2022, the Ontario Energy Board has issued amendments to the Distribution System Code regarding the connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) to local electricity distribution systems. The amendments are intended to improve connection timelines and provide clarity and consistency in the process for connecting a DER.
These amendments provide prescribed application documents and information for distribution companies to make available to their customers for the purpose of integrating DER’s into the respective distributors system.
DER Connection Procedures
Below describes the steps required by applicants to follow for DER applications. For more details, flowcharts and timeline, please refer to “DERCP – DER Connection Procedures” document available at the bottom of this page.
1) Preliminary consultation
1.1 Applicant needs to review the restricted feeders list available on our website to be aware of the feeders that have no additional short circuit capacity to accommodate a DER connection. The applicant can request information by calling our office at 877-332-3316 or by sending e-mail to [email protected]
1.2 To formally initiate the DER connection request, the Applicant will be required to submit the “DERCP-App-i-Preliminary Consultation Information Request” form (PCIR) that is available at the bottom of this page. Please send the completed form to [email protected]
1.3 ORPC will review the request and respond within 15 days of receipt of a completed Preliminary Consultation Information Request with a completed Preliminary Consultation Report (PCR). The Preliminary Consultation Report will provide information about if there is no possibility of connecting the DER project (due to short circuit limitations, capacity unavailability…etc) or if there is a possibility for connection subject to the completion of a CIA. A meeting may be requested by either party during or after the report to discuss any issue with the DER request.
1.4 For Micro-embedded Generation Facility applications, the process moves onto the connection agreement phase without CIA step
2) Connection Impact Assessment (CIA)
The Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) study will be required as per 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.
2.1 Applicants (except for Micro-embedded Generation Facility) will be required to submit the “DERCP-App C-v-Connection Impact Assessment Form” available at the bottom of this page, to [email protected]. For more details on how to complete the CIA, Please refer to the “DERCP- App-C-vi-Connection Impact Assessment Instructions” document, available at the bottom of this page.
2.2 For a completed Connection Impact Assessment Form received by ORPC, the following will be conducted:
2.2.1 For a Small-sized Generation Facility, there will be one CIA study required to be completed by ORPC within 60 days where no distribution system reinforcement or expansion is required (or 90 days where a distribution system reinforcement or expansion is required)
2.2.2 For a Mid-sized Generation Facility, there will be two CIA studies required to be completed within 60 days (one by ORPC and another one by Hydro One)
2.2.3 For a Large-sized Generation Facility, there will be three studies required within 90 days (CIA for ORPC, CIA for Hydro One and a System Impact Assessment Study for IESO). For more details about System Impact Assessment Study by IESO, please visit IESO webpage
3) Connection and Cost Agreements
3.1 For a Micro-embedded Generation Facility:
3.1.1 Applicant is required to complete and send the “Connection Agreement for Micro-Embedded Generation Facility” document available at the bottom of this page, to [email protected]. ORPC will review and issue an offer to connect detailing applicable costs (e.g. supply and install bi-directional meter for net-metering purpose…etc.)
3.1.2 Applicant needs to follow all inspection process required by ESA and ORPC before final connection
3.1.3 Please refer to the “DERCP-DER Connection Procedures” document available at the bottom of this page.
3.2 For Small or Mid-sized Embedded Generation Facility:
3.2.1 Applicant is required to complete and send the “Connection Agreement for a Small or Mid-Sized Embedded Generation Facility” available at the bottom of this page 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.
3.2.2 Applicant needs to follow all inspection process required by ESA and ORPC before final connection.
3.2.3 Please refer to “DERCP – DER Connection Procedures” document available at the bottom of this page for more details
3.3 For Large-sized Embedded Generation Facility:
3.3.1 ORPC will issue and send an offer to connect detailing all technical aspects and applicable costs to connect the DER to ORPC distribution system.
3.3.2 Applicant needs to follow all inspection process required by ESA and ORPC before final connection.
3.3.3 Please refer to (DERCP – DER Connection Procedures) available at the bottom of this page for more details
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
Connection Agreement for Micro-Embedded Generation Facility
Connection Agreement for a Small or Mid-Sized Embedded Generation Facility
Information on Restricted Feeders and Additional Resources
Sample Protection Philosophy for Distributed Energy Resource Proponents Applying for Connection