Connecting Generation to Horizon's Distribution System

Connecting Micro Generation to Horizon Utilities' Distribution System

The following is the process for connecting a micro generation facility to Horizon Utilities' distribution system under the microFIT program offered by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). Click here to visit the microFIT program website.

1. The customer applies for a microFIT contract with the OPA. Click here to visit the microFIT program website.
   
2. The customer submits an application for connection to Horizon Utilities. Click here to download the application form.
   
3. Once Horizon Utilities receives a microFIT registration number from the OPA and a completed application from the customer, Horizon Utilities contacts the customer to schedule a site visit.
   
4. A Horizon Utilities representative makes a site visit to confirm the location of the micro generation facility and the generation meter to be installed. The Horizon Utilities representative provides the customer with a copy of the Service Application Form (SAF).
   
5. The customer/contractor installs the micro generation facility and applies to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for an electrical inspection. Click here for the ESA's guidelines for micro generation.
   
6. The ESA provides Horizon Utilities with the electrical inspection "Authorization for Connection."
   
7. The customer enters into a Connection Agreement with Horizon Utilities and pays a capital contribution fee for the cost of metering. Click here to download the Connection Agreement.
   
8. Horizon Utilities sets up a new customer generation account and installs the new generation meter.
   
9. Horizon Utilities informs the OPA that the connection has been made. The customer enters into a microFIT contract with the OPA. Once the OPA notifies Horizon Utilities that the microFIT contract has been executed, Horizon Utilities commences settlement of the new generation account at the microFIT contract price.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have the option of having my microFIT generation meter connected in series or in parallel with the primary (load) meter?
   
   No. The microFIT generation meter must be connected in parallel with the primary (load) meter.
   
   
2. What are the costs associated with connecting my microFIT project to the grid?
   
   There is a one-time capital contribution charge of $350 plus HST ($395.50) for a microFIT connection on a residential service and $600 plus HST ($678.00) for a microFIT connection on a commercial service. This charge includes the cost of a site visit, the installation of a generation meter, and (if applicable) a disconnection/reconnection of the service.
   
   There is also a one-time charge of $30 for the set up of a microFIT account. This charge will appear in the first microFIT account statement.
   
   
3. Are there any ongoing account fees for a microFIT account?
   
   There is a monthly service charge of $5.25 on microFIT generation accounts. This charge covers the cost of maintaining the meter and the account.
   
   
4. What can I expect in terms of timing to connect my microFIT project?
   
   Horizon Utilities will connect the microFIT installation within 5 business days of receiving the capital contribution payment and all of the required documentation.
   
   
5. Can two microFIT installations be connected to one transformer?
   
   Normally, two microFIT installations can be connected to one transformer. However, there are circumstances where this is not possible. This is why Horizon Utilities will make a site visit after a microFIT connection application form is submitted.
   
   
6. If a customer already has two load meters and two load accounts for one property, can a microFIT installation be connected behind each load meter?
   
   This is a question for the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). If the OPA allows two microFIT installations on one property, Horizon Utilities will make the connections after making a site visit to confirm that the connections are possible.
   
   
7. Does the name on the microFIT generation account have to be the same as the name on the primary (load) account?
   
   No. The name on the microFIT generation account does not have to be the same as the name on the primary (load) account. This is because the microFIT generation account will be completely separate from the primary (load) account.
   
   
8. How are the two accounts settled?
   
   The primary (load) account will be settled for the energy (kilowatt-hours) consumed. The microFIT generation account will be settled for the energy (kilowatt-hours) generated and the energy (kilowatt-hours) consumed. Two separate statements will be issued at their respective billing cycles.
   
   
9. Where can I find information on the amount of sunlight that my area will receive in a year?
   
   Natural Resources Canada provides a software tool, called RETScreen, that can be used to evaluate energy production and savings, costs, and financial feasibility of a solar photovoltaic project. Click here to visit the RETScreen website. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure's Renewable Energy Facilitation Office is also an excellent resource that includes information on solar photovoltaic potential. Click here to go to the Renewable Energy Facilitation Office.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-866-458-1236 or email microfit@horizonutilities.com.

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