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Becoming a Generator: Issues to Consider
While not all of the following may be applicable to your project, here are some of the things you may need to consider in your decision about whether to generate electricity for sale:
- Energy type – What type of generation do you want to use and does it qualify for special programs like the Standard Offer Program? Investigate your options. Information is available from a range of sources, including renewable energy associations, consultants and vendors. For example, in an urban environment, a solar array may work best since wind turbines may not be permitted given space requirements and local zoning bylaws. Wind and run-of-river water energy are options in rural locations, and for farms agricultural biomass may be an option.
- Cost – What are the costs involved in designing, building and connecting your generation facilities?
- Regulatory requirements – What regulatory requirements must be adhered to? There are, for example, electrical safety standards. There are also rules and guidelines pertaining to connection requirements and technical standards, which are set out in the Board's Distribution System Code, including connection agreements.
- Municipal zoning – What are the zoning rules for the area where you want to locate your project? For example, some municipalities have recently approved rules governing wind turbines.
- Environment – Is an environmental assessment required?
- Technical criteria – What are the connection requirements to hook up to the distribution system? The above section provided an overview – you will need to find out specific technical details from the LDC.
- Revenue/profit potential – Is it possible to break even or even make a profit/gain? If so, how long would it take to do so? This will depend on how you decide to operate and whether you are eligible for programs such as the Standard Offer Program. To determine if you can make money generating electricity from renewable energy projects, visit the Canadian Government’s RETScreen International Clean Energy Decision Support Centre. This free, online tool will provide a financial analysis of your small scale energy project.
- Information – Where can I find useful information? What organizations can I contact for guidance? A list of helpful resources is provided at the top of this page.
Concerns, Complaints, Questions
Call the OEB’s Market Operations Hotline at 416-440-7604 for additional general information on the connection process or for assistance in resolving issues with respect to a specific connection. The OEB has processes in place for dealing with inquiries and disputes. Our role is to ensure distributors connect generators to the distribution system in accordance with the legislation and other regulatory instruments.