Distributed Energy Resources

The first step is to submit a completed Preliminary Consultation Information Request (PCIR). We will establish the generator classification and provide you with the connection details for the proposed project and outline the available capacity.

Email the completed form to eng-dept@ssmpuc.com.

PUC will respond to a PCIR within 15 days of receipt of a completed PCIR with a Preliminary Consultation Report (PCR).

Note: Requests which meet the criteria in the table below may be eligible for a simplified Connection Impact Assessment (CIA). PUC will indicate if the proposed project is eligible for a simplified CIA when providing the PCR.

Simplified CIA Eligibility

Sample PCIR and PCR forms can be found here.

After the preliminary consultation, complete and submit Connection Impact Assessment Application . Instructions on how to complete Connection Impact Assessment Application.

Study Agreement
After we review the Connection Impact Assessment Application, you will need to submit a signed Study Agreement along with payment for the Connection Impact Assessment.

Connection Impact Assessment Fee and Connection Cost Variance

PUC will perform an estimate once the Preliminary Consultation is complete. Estimated fees are noted below; each Distributed Energy Resource project is unique and therefore fees will be communicated and discussed prior to proceeding with the project. Application timelines are typically processed within 60 days; however large projects may be longer.

Connection Impact Assessment fee schedule and cost variacnes can be found here.

Refund timelines are generally within 180 days based on project completion but may extend beyond that for large projects.

Connection Impact Assessment
We will conduct a Connection Impact Assessment and issue a report. You will be allocated capacity on the grid upon completion of the Connection Impact Assessment by PUC and Hydro One (if applicable). Generally, this process takes 60-75 days, but in some situations, a cost estimate timeline extension may be required for a project that meets the criteria specified in section 5.9.1 of the OEB DERCP.

Note: For generators connecting on a Hydro One shared feeder, Hydro One will be required to perform its own Connection Impact Assessment.

Connection Cost Agreement
We will provide you with a cost estimate and will issue a Connection Cost Agreement specifying the scope of work to be performed either by you, your contractors or PUC, to make the generation connection. This will be provided within 45 days of receiving notice to proceed from the applicant.

If you decide to proceed with the project, you must sign the Connection Cost Agreement and make the required payments.

We will perform the work required to make the connection. You or your contractor must complete the construction of the generation facility and then apply to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for an electrical inspection. You must submit final detailed design documents to us for review.

You will be required to complete and submit a Commissioning Checklist.

If the project is a small or medium generator you will need to complete and submit the Connection Agreement prior to energization. If your project is a large generator a connection agreement with specific terms and conditions will be provided.

      After the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), and any other applicable authorities, provide the electrical inspection “Connection Authorization” directly to PUC, the generation facility will be connected to PUC’s distribution system. The offer to connect will typically occur within 60 days of receiving a completed application.

Distributed Energy Resources on the distribution grid have potential operating and safety concerns for those working to control and maintain the network. In response, PUC requires generators to meet the Technical Interconnection Requirements.

This OEB guideline provides a set of references that are intended to familiarize PUC customers with the overall information and explain the process, requirements, and options for connecting generation facilities to PUC’s distribution or the sub-transmission system.

The first step is to submit a completed Preliminary Consultation Information Request. We will establish the generator classification and provide you with the connection details for the proposed project and outline the available capacity. PUC will respond within 15 days of receipt of a completed PCIR form with a Preliminary Consultation Report (PCR).

Email the completed form to eng-dept@ssmpuc.com.

Sample PCIR and corresponding PCR forms can be found here.

After the preliminary consultation, complete and submit Micro Generation Connection Application.

     We will review the application and, once it is accepted, issue an Offer to Connect which outlines the requirements and construction costs to connect the generator.

If you decide to proceed with the project, you will be required to pay the connection fees detailed in the Offer to Connect.

Once the micro generation facility has been built according to our requirements, you will need to apply to the Electrical Safety Authority for an electrical inspection.

You will be required to complete and submit a Commissioning Checklist.

You will need to complete and submit the Connection Agreement prior to energization.

      After the Electrical Safety Authority provides us with the electrical inspection “Connection Authorization” we will install the bi-directional generation meter.

We will work with you to set up the appropriate settlement arrangement based on the project type.

Existing projects should remain as approved and connected per original contracts and technical review. Any changes should be communicated to  eng-dept@ssmpuc.com for review.

The below section is PUC’s process on the reassignment/transfer or termination of microFIT contract. Customers are also required to complete IESO process as a prerequisite to PUC’s approval.

To change the name, mailing address or contacts on your MicroFIT/ FIT account, please submit the change request directly to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).

PUC can only make these account changes once the IESO acknowledges and authorizes your request.

Visit the IESO website:

https://www.ieso.ca/en/Get-Involved/microfit/Overview

Reassigning a MicroFIT/FIT Contract

If you’ve purchased a home or sold a home with solar panels, your next step should be to contact the IESO and our Customer Experience Team to provide details about the transfer of ownership for the property.