You are a large scale distribution generation connected customer if your total generator capacity is greater than 150 kilowatts (kW) and the amount exported at any point in time to the grid is greater than 25 kW.  If you are generating green electricity (from sources such as solar panels, small-scale hydro, wind, biomass, micro-cogeneration and fuel cells), please see the micro-generation page.  

Your generating facility must meet FortisAlberta’s safety and power quality requirements. The requirements are designed to prevent back feeding of power from the generating facility onto FortisAlberta’s distribution system during power outages and to match FortisAlberta’s power characteristics with respect to voltage, frequency and harmonic distortion.

Generating customers must follow safety and technical requirements in order to connect. 

Note: The generator Interconnection Agreement must be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission.  The Terms and Conditions automatically apply and take precedence if there is any conflict or inconsistency between the two.


Guiding principles

• The interconnection will not compromise the reliability or restrict the operation of the electric system. The Canadian Safety Association voltage guidelines and FortisAlberta operating standards will apply. 
• The interconnection will not put at risk the generator customer or FortisAlberta equipment and will not impose safety hazards to customers, the public or operating personnel. 
• The interconnection will not degrade power quality or quality of service currently available to others.  FortisAlberta voltage flicker and harmonic guidelines will apply. 
• Within reason and sound business judgment, FortisAlberta will cooperate with the generating customer to ensure a timely, cost-effective interconnection to the satisfaction of both parties. 
• The actual cost of the new generating facilities, material, construction and all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by FortisAlberta to facilitate the interconnection (including, but not limited to, the initial system impact study, preparation of the cost estimates and construction) will be allocated to the generating customer.

Connection process

To initiate the connection process, please: 

• Contact the Alberta Electric System Operator to discuss your requirements for connection. 
• Contact the Alberta Utilities Commission to discuss requirements for connection. 
• Submit an application form to FortisAlberta to provide a basic overview of the proposed generation addition. FortisAlberta may request additional information as required.

FortisAlberta will then contact you to discuss the scope of your project and may provide a verbal response if only a feasibility assessment is required.


Distribution impact study

You will be required to pay a fee to FortisAlberta to complete the distribution impact study. Typically, the fee is approximately $500; however, it will vary depending on the project scope, size and type of generation. An additional fee may be requested if transmission involvement is required for the project.  An invoice for the fees involved will be issued prior to proceeding with the study and cost estimates.

Upon receipt of the fee payment, FortisAlberta will proceed with the distribution impact study, obtaining a distribution cost estimate and if required, a transmission cost estimate. 


Proposal

Upon completion of the cost estimate(s), FortisAlberta will issue you a proposal letter outlining the costs required for interconnection. Depending on the complexity of the project, the time required for FortisAlberta to complete the review and provide a proposal is two to four months, on average. You can then advise FortisAlberta whether or not to proceed.


Construction

If you accept the proposal, FortisAlberta will invoice you up front for the full construction costs. A Distribution Generation Interconnection Agreement and Operating Procedure will be prepared and submitted for your review and signature. 

Upon receipt of payment and the signed document, FortisAlberta will authorize construction of interconnection facilities to meet the desired in-service date. Construction timelines will vary depending on the complexity of the project and other factors.

Final connection requirements

A number of steps are required before your facility is energized. Here is an overview: 

• Obtain an Asset ID number from the Alberta Electric System Operator. 
• Obtain an Interconnect Order number from the Alberta Utilities Commission. 
• Contact a Retailer (the company that provides your electricity bill) to enroll any new load service. 
• Give FortisAlberta your Meter Certification document, provided by your meter data management company.  
• Ensure you are meeting all of FortisAlberta’s protection requirements / setting / operating procedures.  
• Supply FortisAlberta a signed Safety Codes Compliance document. 
• Contact FortisAlberta one week prior to the required date of energizing the interconnection.

Reference materials

• Alberta Distribution Generation Interconnection Guidelines - www.energy.gov.ab.ca/ 
• Recommended practices for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems regardless of energy sources - Underwriter Laboratories (UL) 1741 and Canadian Safety Association.  Generating units must be certified to either Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1741 or the Canadian Safety Association. 
• Conforming with the Canadian Electrical Code, including but not limited to Sections 50 and 84.   
• Alberta Utilities Commission requirements for connection of generators   
• Alberta Electric System Operator requirements for connection of generators
• Selecting a Retailer - Utilities Consumer Advocate
• National Resources Canada's CanmetENERGY
  
  

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