The IESO’s recently released Connections Roadmap was recently made an integral part of the official manuals for market participants in Ontario. Released on December 12, 2019, the online document set titled "Connecting to Ontario’s Power System" guides applicants through every stage of the process, from intention to connect through to bringing the facility into service. It includes helpful information about the IESO’s connection assessment, registration and performance validation responsibilities.
Designed to be an easy-to-understand web resource, the Connections Roadmap provides step-by-step instructions and process diagrams for each of the six stages required to obtain final approval to connect to the IESO-controlled grid. It is organized into the following sections:
• Preparing the Application
• Obtaining Conditional Approval to Connect
• Design and Build
• Authorize Market and Program Participation
• Register Equipment
• Commission Equipment and Validate Performance
• Mandatory roles and responsibilities.
It also includes links to a web page titled “Application status” summarizing the status of all current connection proposals (transmission, load, generation and ancillary services) that have submitted a connection application package and executed the required agreement.
The Roadmap was prepared in response to applicant feedback about difficulties understanding roles and responsibilities. The current publication reflects changes made in response to input received from stakeholders.
On May 21 it was announced that effective June 29, market manuals found under the Market Entry section of the market rules and manuals web page will be revamped and renamed to be consistent with the Connections Roadmap.
The Connections Roadmap is available on the IESO website at this location.
The detailed connections process diagram is at this location.