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Connecting Generation to Horizon's Distribution System
Connecting Generation to Horizon's
Distribution System
Connecting Mid-sized and Large Generation
to Horizon Utilities' Distribution System
The following is the process for connecting a
mid-sized or large generation facility to Horizon Utilities'
distribution system.
Preliminary Assessment
Note: This step is optional.
In this step, the customer submits an Application for Preliminary
Assessment (click here to download the application form).
Horizon Utilities will meet with the customer to discuss the
feasibility of the proposed generation connection.
Connection Impact Assessment
Note: Customers applying for a Feed-in Tariff contract from the
Ontario Power Authority must enter into a Feed-in Tariff contract
with the Ontario Power Authority before applying to Horizon
Utilities for a Connection Impact Assessment. Click here
to visit the Feed-in Tariff program website.
To ensure the generation facility does not adversely impact its
distribution system, Horizon Utilities must study the impact of
the generation facility on its distribution system. The customer
must submit an Application for Connection Impact Assessment
(click here
to download the application form).
Horizon Utilities will perform a Connection Impact Assessment as
long as the application is complete and meets the following
requirements:
There is capacity available to
accommodate the generation connection - click here for
information on Horizon Utilities' generation capacity limits
The proposed in-service date is within 3
years (5 years for waterpower projects)
The Connection Impact Assessment looks at impacts on power flow,
feeder voltage, current loading, fault currents and power factor.
Hydro One, the transmission company that owns the transformer
stations to which Horizon Utilities' distribution system is
connected, may also have to perform its own Connection Impact
Assessment. For large generation facilities, the Independent
Electricity System Operator will have to perform a System Impact
Assessment.
The customer must pay in advance for the cost of performing the
Connection Impact Assessment.
Offer to Connect
If the customer is satisfied with the results of the Connection
Impact Assessment and would like to proceed with the connection,
Horizon Utilities will perform a cost estimate and present to the
customer an Offer to Connect. The Offer to Connect will include
the cost estimate, which specifies the expected costs of any
modifications to Horizon Utilities' distribution system that are
required to connect the generation facility.
The customer must pay in advance for the cost of performing the
cost estimate.
Connection Cost Agreement
Note: The Connection Cost Agreement is also known as the
Capital Cost Recovery Agreement.
If the customer accepts the Offer to Connect, the customer must
enter into a Connection Cost Agreement with Horizon Utilities.
The Connection Cost Agreement specifies the scope of work to be
performed by either Horizon Utilities or the customer in order to
make the generation connection, the costs associated with such
work, the connection date, and any requirements that must be met.
Design & Build
Once the Connection Cost Agreement is executed and any required
payments are made, Horizon Utilities will perform the work
required to make the connection. The customer will submit final
detailed design documents to Horizon Utilities for review. The
customer will complete the construction of the generation
facility.
Connection Agreement
Before the connection is made, the customer must enter into a
Connection Agreement with Horizon Utilities. The Connection
Agreement will detail any operating conditions and
responsibilities.
Connection
Once testing and commissioning is completed, and Electrical
Safety Authority (ESA) authorization is obtained, the connection
of the generation facility to Horizon Utilities distribution
system will be made.
