Net Metering Program
Sioux Lookout Hydro Inc. established a Net Metering Policy for eligible customers wishing to participate in the Net Metering program. This program is in compliance with Ontario Regulation 541/05 – Net Metering.
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is a program whereby eligible customers with specific generation facilities can reduce their net energy costs by exporting surplus generated energy back onto the utility distribution system for credit against the energy the customer consumes from the distribution system.
How will my hydro bill be settled?
Customers participating in the Net Metering program will have the net energy charge on their hydro bill adjusted according to the Net Metering Regulation. Essentially, the customer will receive a credit or an adjustment on their monthly hydro bill for the energy exported onto the utility’s grid up to, but not exceeding the value of the energy consumed from the utility’s grid.
If Net Metering customers export more power than they import during a billing period, their excess credit is carried over into their next billing period. Excess energy credits from successive billing periods can be carried-over up to a maximum of ten months. Based on the billing cycle, Sioux Lookout Hydro will determine the Account Clearing Month at which time all unused energy credits will be reduced to $0.00.
For HST purposes, the supply of energy to the customer and the exporting of energy on to the utility’s grid are considered to be separate supplies. As a result, the customer will be charged HST based on the gross supply of electricity rather than the net supply.
Who is eligible to participate in the Net Metering Program?
Participation in the Net Metering Program is available to all Sioux Lookout Hydro customers with a generator that meet all of the following conditions:
- The electricity is generated primarily for the customer’s own use;
- The electricity generated is conveyed to the customers own consumption point without reliance on the Sioux Lookout Hydro distribution system;
- The maximum cumulative output capacity of the generator does not exceed 500 kW;
- The electricity is solely generated from a renewable energy source (such as wind, drop in water elevation, solar radiation, agricultural bio-mass, or any combination thereof).
What are the requirements for participating in Net Metering?
In order to participate in the Net Metering Program, the customer will be required to meet all the parallel generation requirements for Connecting Micro-Generation Facilities (10 kW or less) or Other Generation Facilities (greater than 10 kW and less than 500 kW), as applicable to the generator size, as found in Process and Technical Requirements for Connecting Embedded Generation Facilities in Appendix F of the Distribution System Code.
In general, the requirements include, but are not limited to:
The customer must have a bi-directional revenue meter that records energy flow in both directions:
- A two-register energy meter, measuring kWh in and kWh out, if the average peak demand is less than 50 kW during the past 12 consecutive months billing period;
- Or in the absence of a demand meter, if the load is less than 150,000 kWh over the past 12 consecutive months billing period.
A four-quadrant interval meter, connected to a dedicated telephone line, if the average peak demand is between 50 kW to 500 kW during the past 12 consecutive months billing period.
The customer pays Sioux Lookout Hydro all incremental costs for upgrading the meter and meter installation, where approved by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).
The customer must install an isolation device satisfying Section 84 of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, located outside typically near the meter, and agree to the utility’s staff access to and operation of this as required for the maintenance and repair of the distribution system.
The customer, or their qualified electrical contractor, must submit an Application for Inspection to the Electrical Safety Authority.
The customer must have the generation facility inspected and obtain a “Certificate of Inspection” from the Electrical Safety Authority, either directly, or through their qualified electrical contractor, and provide a copy to Sioux Lookout Hydro.
Sioux Lookout Hydro must receive a “Connection Authorization” from the Electrical Safety Authority.
The customer signs an Embedded Generation Connection Agreement with Sioux Lookout Hydro.
For Micro-Size Generators ( 10 kW or less), the generator interface protection must have protective relay settings in accordance with the Process and Technical Requirements for Connecting Embedded Generation Facilities in Appendix F of the Distribution System Code.
For generators over 10 kW, the generator interface protection must meet the requirements as stated in Process and Technical Requirements for Connecting Embedded Generation Facilities in Appendix F of the Distribution System Code.
What is the process for participating in Net Metering?
Customers interested in participating in the Net Metering program will follow the same connection process as those customers wishing to install and connect an Embedded Generator. The Ontario Energy Board has established an Embedded Generation Connection Process in the Distribution System Code (Appendix F).
The process to follow is based on the size of the generator:
- The Micro Embedded Generation Process for customers with generators 10 kW or less.
- The Small Embedded Generation Process for customers with generators larger than 10 kW, but less than 500 kW.
How do I apply to participate in Net Metering?
If you are interested in participating in the Net Metering program, please complete the Form C – Micro-Generation Application for project size less than or equal to 10 kW and email it to Sioux Lookout Hydro at info@siouxlookouthydro.com.
For generator greater than 10 kW, should you decide to proceed with project, you may be asked at a later date to submit a Form B – Connection Impact Assessment Application.
Customers without email access can call 1-807-737-3800 to request the application form, and submit the completed form by fax to 1-807-737-2832 or regular mail to the following address:
Sioux Lookout Hydro
Generation Application
25 Fifth Ave., PO Box 908
Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B3
Where can I get additional information?
The Electrical Safety Authority has published the Electrical Guidelines for Inverter-Based Micro-Generating Facility 10 kW and Smaller that is based on the requirements of the Electrical Safety Code and the Distribution System Code.
For more information call the Ministry of Energy at 1-888-668-4636 or visit their web site at www.energy.gov.on.ca.