microFIT (Feed-in Tariff) Program
If you're a homeowner or small-business owner, you have the opportunity to develop a very small or 'micro' renewable-electricity generation project of 10 KWh or less in size on your property. This is made possible through Ontario's Feed-in Tariff (FIT), the first legislation of its kind in North America. The Feed-in Tariff is a pricing structure that lists the prices paid for different types of renewable energy. Renewable energy includes:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV)
- On-shore and off-shore wind
- Biomass
- Biogas
- Landfill gas
- Waterpower
The Feed-in Tariff is managed by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). There are two levels within the program:
Under the microFIT program, you will be paid a guaranteed, premium price for all the electricity your project produces for at least 20 years.
Once you've selected a renewable energy technology and developed a project plan, signing up for the microFIT program is straightforward. You apply online, there's minimal paperwork, and there's no application fee.
What is the role of Enersource?
Enersource is responsible for connecting FIT and microFIT projects to Ontario's energy distribution system. We assess and approve the connection of renewable energy projects to the low-voltage distribution system, and we help projects complete their system connection.
How to apply
Participants must register with the OPA, find the right equipment supplier to install the project and then connect their project through Enersource if based in Mississauga. The application steps are outlined below.
Process for connecting Embedded Generation facilities
This process has been developed in partnership with and is approved by the OPA.
Important Note: MicroFIT applications that were submitted on or after December 8, 2010 have to receive an offer to connect from Enersource, prior to receiving a conditional offer from the OPA.
| Task |
Enersource |
|---|
Initial Contact |
Customer submits Form A - Initial Feasibility Assessment |
microFIT Contract
|
Customer must apply to the OPA for a microFIT contract.
|
Provision of Information
|
Once it has been determined there is capacity available for the project, Enersource will issue an information package. The customer must submit a Single Line Diagram. |
Offer to Connect |
Once Enersource reviews and approves the single line diagram, the customer is given an offer to connect. The customer also must sign a Connection agreement. |
Implementation |
Customer proceeds with project implementation. |
Authorization to Connect |
Customer is responsible for arranging and receiving Authorization to Connect from the ESA. |
Commissioning & Verification |
Enersource may inspect the generation facility at any time. |
Completion |
When the ESA's Authorization of Connection is received, Enersource proceeds to complete the connection of the generation facility to our distribution system. |
Initial Contact
The customer completes and submits Form A - Initial Feasability Assessment Application. Please email the completed form to microfit@enersource.com using "Initial Assessment - Project Address (project size)" in the subject line.
During the initial consultation, Enersource discusses with the customer the project feasibility, connection details and broad project estimates in order to complete an OPA microFIT application.
Connection to Enersource's Distribution Grid
The customer must ensure that detailed engineering drawings and plans are submitted to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for approval.
The customer also must ensure that the generation facility is inspected by the ESA.
Once all required customer work and approvals are completed, a microFIT Connection Agreement is signed by the customer and emailed to microfit@enersource.com.
Upon successful inspection of the generation facility, Enersource receives a connection authorization notice from the ESA. Enersource then proceeds to complete the connection of generation facility to our distribution system within five business days.
To learn more
For an overview of the OPA's microFIT program, please click here
For additional inquiries please e-mail us at: microfit@enersource.com.
You can also call us at 905-803-6467 for general questions about the microFIT program.