At the EDIST conference, Ayesha Sabouba from Hydro One, gave an overview of the status of Ontario's feed-in tariff program which was launched 2 years ago. I gave an overview of some of the key features of the Ontario Micro FiT program in a previous post. To date Hydro One has received 28,552 applications to connect renewable energy sources with less than 10 kW capacity. Together all other local distribution companies (LDCs) have received 17,172, for a total of 45,724 applications, mostly for solar PV installations, in two years.
Applications are screened by Hydro One to verify that there is enough transformer station and feeder capacity (thermal and short circuit) to connect the proposed renewable generation source and to ensure anti-islanding guidelines (IEEE 1547) are met (a Hydro One video explains capacity constraints and islanding). Hydro One has made public a Station and Feeder Capacity Calculator that allows individuals to determine themselves whether there is capacity where they are proposing a renewable energy source. Across the province about 65% of proposals are approved.
The tariffs set by the OPA for renewable energy generation under Ontario's FiT program are currently undergoing a biennial review.
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