On August 19, 2016 the Ontario Ministry of Energy posted a draft version of the revised net metering regulation (Ontario Regulation 541/05) for stakeholder comment. The draft regulation is available at https://www.ebr.gov.on.ca > Registry Number 012-8435.
The Ministry notes that the draft regulation proposes several changes while maintaining aspects of net metering that are of importance to the solar industry and net metering customers in Ontario, including:
• Retail rate compensation is proposed to be maintained
• Credits are proposed to continue to expire with the active period extended from 11 to 12 months
• The 500 kW size restriction is proposed to be removed (allowing any size system)
• Energy storage is proposed to be explicitly permitted in conjunction with a renewable net metering system
• It is proposed that existing net metering customers be permitted to switch to treatment under the new regulation.
CanSIA, the Canadian Solar Industries Association, noted that it has been working with the Ministry of Energy, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and various Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) to provide input for the draft regulation and noted that it is pleased to see it progress through the regulatory process.