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Net Metering
What is Net Metering?
The net metering initiative may be used by electricity consumers in Ontario who generate some of their own energy from a renewable resource. Net metering enables you to send surplus electricity from renewable resources to the distribution system for a credit towards your electricity bill. For a successive 12-month period, excess generation credits can be carried forward to offset future electricity bills. Customers with net meters can now combine energy storage with renewable energy systems.
For more information about the net metering program, please see the following:
- Ontario Regulation 541/05 - Net Metering
- Ontario Regulation 273/18 - Net Metering
- Ontario Regulation 274/18 - Siting Restrictions
How Do I Get Started?
- Determine the size of the generation unit that will suit your needs: use your prior bills as a starting point to tailor your system to your individual energy demand. Since your credits can only be carried forward for 12 months, oversizing a generation system does not increase the benefits.
- Investigate your alternatives for renewable energy: information can be provided by renewable energy organizations, advisors and suppliers. For urban clients, a solar system may be the best renewable energy choice as wind or water systems require ample space and may not be permitted under zoning regulations. In rural areas, wind, water or agricultural biomass energy may be an option.
- Learn more about the process: The connection procedures for DER projects are outlined in the sections below. Once you have determined your system size, please complete the appropriate Preliminary Consultation Information Request forms and submit them to the DER Team using the webform at the bottom of this page.
| DER Classification | Rating |
|---|---|
| Micro | ≤ 10 kW
|
| Small | (a) ≤ 500 kW connected on distribution system voltage < 15 kV (b) ≤ 1 MW connected on distribution system voltage ≥ 15 kV |
| Mid-Sized | (a) ≤10 MW but > 500 kW connected on distribution system voltage < 15 kV (b) > 1 MW but ≤ 10 MW connected on distribution system voltage ≥ 15 kV |
| Large | > 10 MW
|
A project may qualify for a simplified Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) if it meets one of the following criteria:
(a) > 10 kW and ≤ 30 kW connected on distribution system voltage < 15 kV
(b) > 10 kW and ≤ 100 kW connected on distribution system voltage ≥ 15 kV
NT Power CIA Fee Schedule
DER projects with capacities greater than 10 kW are subject to NT Power's CIA fee schedule outlined below.
The fees listed apply exclusively to the completion of the Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) study. Additional interconnection costs may apply and will be determined during the Connection Cost Agreement stage based on the specifics of each project.
DER Class | Voltage Class | Project Type and Size | CIA Fee |
SMALL | <15kV | (a) > 10 kW and ≤ 30 kW connected on distribution system voltage <15kV | $1,800.00 |
(b) ≤500kW connected on distribution system voltage <15kV | $5,950.00 | ||
>15kV | (c)> 10 kW and ≤ 100 kW connected on distribution system voltage ≥15kV | $1,800.00 | |
(d) ≤1MW connected on distribution system voltage ≥15kV | $5,950.00 | ||
MEDIUM | <15kV | (a) ≤10MW but >500kW connected on distribution system voltage <15kV | $8,880.00 |
≥15kV | (b) >1MW but ≤10MW connected on distribution system voltage ≥15kV | ||
LARGE | All | Large Project: >10MW | $10,905.00 |
Important Notes:
- The CIA fees listed above are exclusive of applicable taxes.
- These fees cover only the costs associated with performing the Connection Impact Assessment study.
- Additional fees may apply for projects involving another Local Distribution Company. NT Power will inform DER applicants of any such costs during the CIA application phase.
- Depending on the project's type, size, voltage class, and/or location, an additional CIA may be required by Hydro One, and/or a System Impact Assessment (SIA) by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) may be necessary to evaluate potential upstream system impacts.
- Revisions to an existing CIA may be subject to a charge of up to 50% of the original CIA fee listed in the table above.
- Refund Policy: If a CIA is withdrawn prior to completion, any unused portion of the fee will be refunded.
Micro (≤ 10 kW)
Application Process
1. Preliminary Consultation Information Request (PCIR)
- The PCIR form provides NT Power with the necessary details to conduct a preliminary review of your proposed system.
- Please complete the Preliminary Consultation Information Request form and submit it to the DER Team using the webform located at the bottom of this page.
- Upon completion of the preliminary review, NT Power will advise you on the next steps in the application process.
2. Connection Application Request
- If the Preliminary review results are positive, the applicant may choose to proceed with the connection by submitting a Form C – DER Connection Application Form along with the required supporting documentation to the DER Team.
3. Application Review and Connection Agreement
- NT Power will conduct a formal assessment of the impact of connecting the proposed DER project to the distribution system and provide the results to the applicant.
- If the application meets all requirements, NT Power will issue a Connection Agreement, which will include the estimated costs associated with connecting the generation project.
- If the applicant decides to proceed with the installation, payment for the fees outlined in the Connection Agreement must be submitted, along with a signed copy returned to NT Power.
- The applicant is responsible for obtaining all applicable permits.
4. Authorization to Connect
- The applicant must provide a copy of the ESA Connection Authorization to the DER Team (DER@NTPower.ca) before NT Power can schedule an appointment for the installation of a bi-directional meter.
- Once the bi-directional meter is installed, NT Power will coordinate with the applicant to establish the appropriate settlement arrangement based on the project type.
- For load displacement projects, a bi-directional meter will not be installed, as these systems are not designed to export power to the grid.
Note: Applicants may terminate the connection process at any stage; however, written notification of termination must be submitted to NT Power at DER@NTPower.ca.
Small, Medium and Large (> 10 kW)
1. Preliminary Consultation Information Request (PCIR)
- The PCIR form provides NT Power with the necessary details to conduct a preliminary review of your proposed system.
- Please complete the Preliminary Consultation Information Request form and submit it to the DER Team using the webform located at the bottom of this page.
- Upon completion of the preliminary review, NT Power will issue a Preliminary Consultation Report to the applicant.
- Note: NT Power does not currently offer a Flexible Hosting Capacity Arrangement. If you would like to explore alternative options or discuss your project further, please contact the DER Team.
2. Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) Application
- If the Preliminary review results are positive, the applicant may choose to proceed with the connection by submitting a Form B – DER Connection Impact Assessment Application Form along with the required supporting documentation to the DER Team.
- For more details, please refer to the CIA Instruction.
3. Application Completeness Screening Process & Study Agreement
- NT Power will confirm the completeness of the application with the applicant through one or more rounds of review. The application will proceed only once NT Power has received all required information.
- If the applicant does not submit the revised application within 14 days, NT Power may remove the application from the processing queue. If removed, the application may be treated as a new submission upon resubmission.
- Following the review of the application package, the applicant will be required to submit a signed Study Agreement along with payment for the Connection Impact Assessment.
4. Connection Impact Assessment (CIA)
- Medium-sized projects require a distribution system assessment by NT Power and an upstream system assessment by Hydro One (HONI).
- Large-sized projects also require a System Impact Assessment (SIA) conducted by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
- NT Power will conduct a Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) and issue a report. When applicable, the CIA will be performed concurrently with assessments by Hydro One and/or the IESO.
- Once all required assessments are successfully completed, the applicant may proceed with the installation of the generation system.
5. Connection Cost Agreement
- A Connection Cost Agreement will be issued to the applicant, outlining the estimated costs and all requirements for the installation. Upon payment of the connection costs, the applicant, NT Power, and, if applicable, Hydro One and the IESO will establish a project schedule, define the scope of work, and agree on a method for information exchange.
- For projects that involve Hydro One or the IESO, a project manager will be assigned by the respective organization to oversee any required work.
6. Design and Build
- The applicant will commence construction and installation work. It is essential to collaborate closely with NT Power, and if applicable, Hydro One, the IESO, and the ESA to coordinate work, inspections, approvals, and any required permits or licenses.
- Final detailed design documents must be submitted for review prior to completion.
7. Commissioning and Verification
- The applicant must complete and submit a Confirmation of Verification Evidence Report (COVER) or simplified COVER, certified by a Professional Engineer, for approval prior to the operation of the generation project.
- If the project involves Hydro One, Hydro One’s project manager will coordinate all transfer trip and NMS point testing.
8. Connection Agreement
- The applicant must complete and submit the Connection Agreement prior to energization.
- A Letter of Equivalency, prepared by a Professional Engineer, may also be required.
9. Authorization to Connect
- The applicant must provide a copy of the ESA Connection Authorization to the DER Team (DER@ntpower.ca) before NT Power can schedule an appointment for the installation of a bi-directional meter.
- Once the bi-directional meter is installed, NT Power will coordinate with the applicant to establish the appropriate settlement arrangement based on the project type.
- For load displacement projects, a bi-directional meter will not be installed, as these systems are not designed to export power to the grid.
Note: Applicants may terminate the connection process at any stage; however, written notification of termination must be submitted to NT Power at DER@NTPower.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the process take?
The duration of the process varies depending on the size and complexity of the project.
How much does the process cost?
Costs vary based on the scope of the project. To receive an accurate estimate, please submit a formal application.
Am I eligible for Generation?
Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. To determine your eligibility, please submit a Preliminary Consultation Information Request Form.
How many credits do I have?
Your current credit balance is indicated on your monthly hydro bill. Please refer to it for detailed information.
How do net metering credits work?
Net metering generation credits do not roll over indefinitely. If generation credits are carried forward for twelve consecutive months without use, the credit balance will be reset to zero at the end of that period.
How much does a generation system cost?
Generation system costs vary widely depending on the technology and installation. For pricing information, please contact a renewable generation installation company.