Ontario Eases Rules For Connecting Small Generators To The Grid

Copyright 2009, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Originally published in Blakes Bulletin on Energy/CleanTech, February 2009

On February 12, 2009, new rules came into effect in Ontario which are expected to expedite the connection of small electricity generation facilities, such as solar, biomass/biofuel or fuel cell, to Ontario's distribution system.

The new rules apply to a "queue exempt small generation facility", which is a facility:

(a) with a name-plate rated capacity in the range of >10 kW and ≤ 250 kW if connecting to a less than 15 kV line; or

(b) those with a name-plate rated capacity in the range of >10 kW and ≤ 500 kW if connecting to a 15 kV or greater line.

The new rules apply to any facility that meets this definition, regardless of the technology used to generate the electricity. (It had initially been proposed to limit the new rules to only certain forms of green technology.)