DER CONNECTIONS

Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Generation Connections

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are a valuable way for customers to reduce electricity costs while building a resilient, future-ready power grid. Whether you’re connecting solar, Combined Heat and Power, storage, or other DERs, Lakefront is here to support you every step of the way.

To help you get started, we’ve outlined our connection processes for micro, small, mid-sized, and large embedded generation facilities. The Ontario Energy Board has also outlined the connection process in the Distribution System Code which can be accessed here.

 

Micro-Embedded Generation Facility (<10kW)

  1. Submit a Preliminary Consultation Information Request Form to technicalservices@lusi.on.ca
  2. Lakefront Utilities will perform a preliminary generation capacity check and indicate if the project can proceed to the next steps. Please consult Hydro One’s Stations Capacity Calculator for upstream capacity restrictions.  
  3. Upon confirmation from Lakefront Utilities that capacity may be available, the following information will be required:
    1. Completed Micro-Embedded Generation Connection Application (Form C);
    2. Single line diagram as per requirements specified on Page 3 of Form C;
    3. Manufacturer specifications of generation source, inverter, etc.; and
    4. Any other relevant information requested by Lakefront Utilities Inc. to process your request.
  4. If the project is deemed acceptable to proceed, Lakefront Utilities will assess the complete application bundle and issue an Offer to Connect outlining associated costs for connecting to Lakefront Utilities’ distribution system.
  5. Lakefront Utilities will also provide a Micro-Embedded Generation Facility Connection Agreement, which is to be signed and returned along with payment as specified in the Offer to Connect. Applicants are cautioned not to perform any work that incurs significant costs until this step in the process is reached.
  6. The applicant can now proceed with the construction of their generation facility. Once construction of the Micro-Embedded Generation Facility is completed and meets Lakefront Utilities’ requirements, the applicant is to obtain a Connection Authorization from the Electrical Safety Authority.
  7. Upon receipt of the Electrical Safety Authority’s Connection Authorization, Lakefront Utilities will Schedule the connection and install a bi-directional meter.

Please note: A Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) is not needed to connect a Micro-Embedded Generation Facility.

 

Small, Mid-Sized, or Large Embedded Generation Facility (>10kW)

  1. Submit a Preliminary Consultation Information Request Form to technicalservices@lusi.on.ca
  2. Lakefront Utilities will perform a preliminary generation capacity check and indicate if the project can proceed to the next steps. For upstream capacity restrictions, please reference Hydro One’s Stations Capacity Calculator
  3. Customer shall complete and submit Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) Application (Form B), and CIA deposit as required. Additional Connection Impact Assessment fees may apply if the upstream transmitter deems a CIA necessary. Lakefront Utilities will collect this cost on behalf of the upstream transmitter. See Hydro One Fee Schedule for more details. In addition to the completed Form B, Lakefront Utilities will require the following;
    1. Single Line Diagram as per Appendix B of Distribution System Code’s DER Connection Procedures;
    2. Protection Philosophy (sample can be found in Appendix A of Distribution System Code’s DER Connection Procedures);
    3. Manufacturer specifications of generation source, inverter, etc. and;
    4. Any other relevant information per Section O of the Connection Impact Assessment Application or as requested by Lakefront Utilities Inc.
  4. If the project is deemed acceptable to proceed, Lakefront Utilities will assess the complete application bundle, produce all applicable Connection Impact Assessment study reports, and outline associated costs for connection to Lakefront Utilities’ distribution system.
  5. Lakefront Utilities will also provide a Cost Connection Agreement that highlights the respective scopes of work for the generator and Lakefront Utilities to make the generation connection.
  6. Upon receipt of the signed Cost Connection Agreement and payment, Lakefront Utilities will schedule the work required to make the connection. Applicants are cautioned not to perform any work that may incur significant costs until this step in the process is reached.
  7. The applicant can simultaneously proceed with constructing their generation facility.
  8. Once the Embedded-Generation Facility is constructed to Lakefront Utilities’ requirements, the applicant is to obtain a Connection Authorization from the Electrical Safety Authority. Final detailed design documents are also to be submitted to Lakefront Utilities along with ESA’s Connection Authorization.  Where applicable, all final design documents, including but not limited to as-builts, commissioning verification documents, etc., are to be stamped/approved by a Professional Engineer (P. Eng) and submitted to Lakefront Utilities.
  9. Lakefront Utilities will also provide a Generator Connection Agreement for a Small, Mid-Sized, or Large-Embedded generation facility, which must be signed by both parties.
  10. Lakefront Utilities will schedule the final connection upon receipt of the signed Connection Agreement and all other relevant approval and/or documentation.

Notes:

  1. A Connection Impact Assessment is needed to connect a Small, Mid-Sized, or Large Embedded Generation Facility, for which fees apply. Additional upstream transmitter Connection Impact Assessment may be required, and additional fees may apply. See Hydro One Fee Schedule for more details.
  2. Depending on the scope and/or scale of the project, additional information and/or steps, including but not limited to additional costs and/or agreements with Hydro One, additional testing and commissioning procedures and documentation, etc., may be involved. Lakefront Utilities will request information as needed.

Restricted Feeders

Currently, there are no restricted feeders in Lakefront Utilities’ service territory.

Additional Resources

Technical Requirements
Hydro One Technical Interconnection Requirements (TIR)

Contractual Terms & Conditions
Conditions of Service

 

Lakefront’s Net Metering Program

Lakefront’s Net Metering program is available to any customer who generates electricity primarily for their own use. The generation must be from a renewable energy source such as wind, water, solar, or agricultural biomass. If the generation facility is greater than 10 kW, a Connection Impact Assessment must be completed.

To get started on the application process, please see the appropriate section above based on the size of your project.

Once connected to Lakefront’s distribution system, we will start reading your meter(s) monthly.  Lakefront will then subtract the value of electricity you supply to the grid from the value of what you take from the grid.  You’ll see the “net” difference between these two amounts on your monthly bill. If you supply more power than you take from the grid over the billing cycle, you’ll receive a credit towards future energy bills.  Available credits will be applied, as required, but will not exceed the value of electricity consumed from Lakefront’s grid.  Credits carried for 12 consecutive months will expire.  Unused credits will be reduced to zero.  HST will be applied to your monthly bill based on the gross supply of electricity, not the net supply.

For more information, please contact us at lusi@lusi.on.ca

 

LOCATION

207 Division Street
PO Box 577
Cobourg, Ontario
K9A 4L3

Call Us

(905) 372-2193

FAX US

(905) 372-2581

EMAIL US

lusi@lusi.on.ca
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