Hydro One and other utilities in Ontario have been adapting their internal systems and procedures to deal with the hugely increased volumes of connection applications from generators since the beginning of the FIT program. Although the basic requirements in the connection process have remained largely unchanged, certain details have been revised over time and utilities have grown more familiar with managing the process. With the release of the FIT 2.0 program it is generally believed that the process has stabilized and the connection procedures are relatively robust.
Diagrams and charts outlining the current processes for connecting generation at the three levels (Transmission, micro and distribution) are shown on the following pages.
For a larger version of this graphic, please click here .
How generator connection processes work in Ontario
1. Classification of applications
Generator connection applications are classified into one of three categories:
a) Capacity Allocation Required (CAR), now called large FIT
b) Capacity Allocation Exempt (CAE) now called “Small FIT.” Small FIT facilities include small projects up to 250 kW if connected to a feeder less than 15 kV, and projects up to 500 kW if connected to a feeder 15 kV or greater. Procedurally there is a subcategory here of projects (CAE at the time) submitted before December 8, 2010. Projects in this sub-group did not require the TAT nor the DAT before a FIT contract was awarded. Later Small FIT projects do have to pass a DAT (Distribution Availability Test) before receiving a contract from the OPA.
c) MicroFIT – up to 10 kW
The connection procedures depend on which category the application fits into.
2. Determine distribution connection capacity and position in the sequence
(The following applies to distribution-connected generators only. For transmission connected generators, see the chart titled “Hydro One Transmission Customer Connection Process”.)
Each distribution station has a connection capacity chart. The List of Applications shows the order in which applications were received and capacity allocated.
Connection Impact Assessments (CIAs) or studies, are conducted in the order in which connection applications are accepted as complete applications. They are not normally done simultaneously, meaning that, for example, CIA #2 doesn’t start until CIA #1 at the same station is finished - because the earlier CIA may impact the later applicant. CIAs may be conducted simultaneously if one CIA would not impact the other. Connection Impact Assessments include both renewable and non-renewable connection studies.
Actual connection capacity is allocated by the distributor in the order in which the CIAs are completed. Any particular allocation can be removed if milestones are not achieved by certain dates. For example, a Connection Cost Agreement (CCA) is expected to be executed within 6 months of a completed CIA, according to the Distribution System Code.
3. If there is contention about limited connection capacity
It is possible that a generator with an early application will seek to sign a CCA, only to discover that less connection capacity is available than shown in the CIA because CAE generators have applied in the meantime. In cases like that, the Ontario Energy Board is expected to make rulings as to how much connection capacity each generator will get.
Where to find site-specific information on connection availability
To find the connection capacity chart for any one distribution station, see either the Hydro One List of Station Capacity or Hydro One’s online Connection availability calculator. The second resource is an online web tool that allows prospective generators to obtain an idea of local connection availabilities. The tool shows station and feeder capacity and is intended to help developers prepare generation proposals with better knowledge of connection conditions. The tool is updated every month.
The calculator can be found on the Hydro One website under generators / distribution / Station and feeder capacity calculator. Visitors are encouraged to first read the “Important Information for microFIT Applicants, Consultants & Contractors”, which explains the tool and its limitations, and how the tool fits into the overall connection application process. Users are also advised to enable macros when using the spreadsheets from this website.
For more information, please visit http://www.hydroone.com/Generators/Pages/Default.aspx .
To see a larger version of the distribution-level connection process chart, please click here .
When is a connection “complete”?
To the surprise of some people, there are no formally-established criteria to determine when a new distribution-connected power project in Ontario has achieved completion. Obviously many projects have achieved completion in a practical sense, but Hydro One has observed that issuing a formal statement confirming that a project connection is complete, and that it has met all the necessary criteria, will facilitate a number of later steps.
Hydro One is reviewing and refining processes for connection, and proposing 3 milestones for a generation project to have a ‘complete connection’. These are:
1. Load - connection as a load
2. Commissioning – can inject for testing and commissioning purposes
3. Completion – has completed all milestones and is authorized to generate commercially.
The OPA is being consulted on specific associated with these milestones. When the new procedures are in place, Hydro One will issue formal notices of completion to generators, and send a copy to the OPA. The notice will indicate that the third milestone has been completed and the distribution-connected generator has met Hydro One’s connection requirements.
The charts on the next page show the type and number of generation projects Hydro One currently plans to connect to its distribution system over the next 3 years. Each project represented has a signed Connection Cost Agreement and is now in the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) phase. Further projects will likely be added to the schedule over time. The chart does not show micro-embedded generation, or transmission-connected generation.
How the TAT and DAT define what’s possible
Two of the most important processes underlying the system for managing generation connections in Ontario are the TAT and DAT – the Transmission Availability Test and the Distribution Availability Test. Although both tests have been in place since the beginning of the FIT program, their use has become more universal and standardized as the FIT program matured.
Before a generator can obtain a FIT contract, it is necessary to pass a preliminary review. Part of the preliminary review is to check whether the proposed project can be accommodated by the transmission system and the distribution system at its point of connection. This is what the DAT and TAT do – they indicate whether the distribution and/or transmission system can accommodate the project in a general sense, as to whether there is capacity for the project. They don’t determine the cost of a connection or its timing, but they do give everyone an early signal as to whether there is room on the grid for another generator of the proposed capacity in the general area proposed.
The OPA, Hydro One and distributors maintain extensive databases with detailed information about what equipment is on the grid. During the DAT and TAT they tap into these databases and are expected to be able to produce a pretty quick result as to whether a project can be accommodated by the grid in its current condition. Of course, the information coming out is only as good as what goes in. For this reason, the OPA and the distributors are working to ensure the database is updated relatively frequently.
The position of the DAT and TAT test in the connection process depends of course on whether the generator is distribution connected or transmission connected. For micro-embedded generation the DAT does not apply. Instead, the LDC performs an assessment of connection capacity availability before making an offer to connect, which is a pre-requisite before receiving a microFIT contract. The LDC must provide an offer to connect or reason for refusal within the timelines stipulated by the Distributed System Code, section 6.2.6.