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Distributed Energy Resources

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One of the most significant changes to electricity industry has been the emergence of new technologies that can support locally-owned facilities for electricity generation, control and storage. These technologies, often referred to as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), are transforming the way communities meet their energy needs.

For generation inquiries, please contact:

Welland Hydro-Electric System Corp.
950 East Main Street
Welland, ON L3B 0L9
Attention: Distributed Energy Resources
905-732-1381
der@wellandhydro.com

IMPORTANT – Applicants are cautioned not to incur any expenses until they receive approval to connect their proposed generation facility.

Generation Connection Information Package

The package will provide the process, information, applications and documents required to facilitate your DER connection. The Generation Connection Information Package and all supporting documents are available electronically. Proponents may contact Welland Hydro for a paper copy of this package. Welland Hydro-Electric System Corp. (WHESC) will send a copy of the Generation Connection Information Package by standard mail to addresses in Ontario only.

Connection Process – Micro-Embedded Generators (less than or equal to 10 KW)

Preliminary Consultation

During the initial planning phase of a project, you will want to know if there are any limitations that would prevent you from connecting your project. In order to identify these potential limitations, you will need to complete a Preliminary Consultation Information Request form (PCIR).

Connection Application, Offer to Connect and Connection Agreement

We will review your PCIR and if there are no current limitations that would prevent your generation facility from being connected, we will request that a Micro Embedded Generation Facility Connection Application be submitted. Upon acceptance of your connection application, we will issue an Offer to Connect, along with a Micro Embedded Generation Facility Connection Agreement, which outline the costs to connect your generation facility, along with your ongoing requirements as a embedded generator.

Build and Energization

These are the final stages of the DER connection process. This is where your micro embedded generation facility is built and energized (aka connected). All approvals and inspections will have been received and/or completed. Prior to energization, your Micro Embedded Generation Facility Connection Agreement, along with any connection costs from the Offer to Connect must have been received. In addition, a Commissioning Verification Report may be required. After all final requirements have been met, WHESC will connect your DER to our distribution system.

Connection Process – Small, Medium and Large Embedded Generators (greater than 10 KW)

Preliminary Consultation

During the initial planning phase of a project, you will want to know if there are any limitations that would prevent you from connecting your project. In order to identify these potential limitations, you will need to complete a Preliminary Consultation Information Request form (PCIR). Once received, we will review and respond with a Preliminary Consultation Report (PCR).

Connection Impact Assessment

The next step for the connection of your DER is the Connection Impact Assessment (CIA). This is a study that assesses the steady state and transient reliability and stability impacts of your project on our distribution system. The information requirements at this stage are more substantial than the preliminary consultation phase, and it is important to be aware that completion of a CIA does not constitute approval of the protection philosophy and single line diagram. The protection philosophy and single line diagram will be subject to further review after the CIA has been issued.

Depending on the size of the project , an additional CIA by Hydro One, and/or a System Impact Assessment by the IESO may also be necessary to assess upstream system impacts.

Project Development

At this stage in the process, you have received the results of your CIA. The project’s scope has been finalized. The technical requirements, along with the costs to connect your project to our distribution system, have been identified. In order to proceed to the next step, a Connection Cost Agreement (CCA) must be signed and all costs/estimates required by the CCA must be paid.

Build and Energization

The final stage of the DER connection process. Facility is built. All approvals and inspections have been received/completed. Prior to energization, a Commissioning Verification Report and Connection Agreement must be completed and submitted to WHESC. After all final requirements have been received, Welland Hydro will connect your DER to our distribution system.

Additional Resources

The following industry links are provided as informational resources for customers interested in distributed energy resources.

Ontario Energy Board (OEB)
The OEB is the independent regulator of Ontario’s electricity and natural gas sectors. Visit the OEB website to review the Distribution System Code and Distributed Energy Resources Connection Procedures.
www.oeb.ca

Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
The IESO is the Crown corporation responsible for operating the electricity market and directing the operation of the bulk electrical system in the province of Ontario, Canada.
www.ieso.ca

Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
Electrical safety and inspections.
www.esasafe.com

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Federal government agency.
www.nrcan.gc.ca

Ministry of Energy and Electricity
Learn about Ontario’s energy sector and programs available to you.
www.ontario.ca

Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future.
www.renewablesassociation.ca

Canadian Standards Association
Standards, equipment testing, inspection and certification.
www.csagroup.org