Net Metering

Technical Requirements

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their project complies with the most current technical requirements and standards. 

Key reference documents include:

• NT Power’s Conditions of Service | NT Power
• O. Reg. 541/05 NET METERING | ontario.ca
• ELECTRICAL GUIDELINES FOR Inverter-Based Micro-Generating Facility (10KW and Smaller)

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.

Technical Requirements

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their project complies with the most current technical requirements and standards. 

Key reference documents include:

• NT Power’s Conditions of Service | NT Power
• O. Reg. 541/05 NET METERING | ontario.ca
• ESA Guideline (Bulletin 12-34-56)
• Distribution System Code (Distribution System Code (DSC))
• Technical Interconnection Requirements TIR (Technical Requirements)

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 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.
• Sample Protection Philosophy

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.