Micro-generation

DISCLAIMER These particulars are provided for information purposes only. Users of this information are doing so at their own risk. FortisAlberta does not endorse the services or products of any specific consultant or vendor referenced. FortisAlberta will not be held liable for any loss or damage in connection with the use of any consultants or vendor or any information provided herein.

Micro-generation technologies are typically small-scale wind turbines, solar panels, or combined heat and power. Other environmentally-friendly fuel sources include biomass, geothermal, fuel cell, or hydro.

FortisAlberta’s micro-generation processes comply with the Electric Utilities Act and the Micro-generation Regulation. The intent of micro-generation is to allow consumers to offset a portion or all of their electricity needs by generating electricity from renewable or alternative energy sources.  

Systems are sized based on the last twelve months of consumption, or the projected load if it is a new or upgrading service. Micro-generation cannot exceed 5 MW.  

With a capacity under 5 MW, micro-generation is defined in two categories: 

  • Small micro-generation is up to 149 kW
  • Large micro-generation is 150 kW up to 4.99 MW

To be eligible for connection with us, your micro-generation project must be less than five megawatts in size and meet all the criteria outlined in the Alberta Utilities Commission's (AUC) Micro-Generator Application Guideline. Additional details can be found on the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Micro-generation FAQs

 

How micro-generation works


 

Download the following FortisAlberta forms to get started

To help fill out your application, find your site ID (13-digit number that starts with 0040) on your retail bill. Complete the application form and submit it by email to microgen@fortisalberta.com. Once you've completed your application, you will receive an Interconnection and Operating Agreement to review and sign.

Form A – Micro-generation Notice (application needs to be completed and signed)

Third Party Authorization form (if using a consultant, this needs needs to be signed and provided with your application)

Additional documents are available in the Generation Library at the bottom of the page.

 

Where to start

There are numerous resources that provide details on micro-generation. To begin, FortisAlberta recommends reviewing the Alberta Utility Commission's Micro-generation Notice Submission Guideline for a comprehensive overview of the submission process. There are additional resources provided by the Government of Alberta and the Utilities Consumer Advocate. There is no one-size-fits-all for renewables. If you choose to work with a consultant or be your own project manager, there are numerous considerations that need to be researched and vetted. 

If you choose to work with a vendor, ensure to speak to more than one company and obtain multiple quotes and check references. There are many reputable sources that have endorsed solar vendor lists or are vendors themselves. Be sure the contractor you choose is sustainable and will be around in the future if you need them. 

For solar, many reputable vendors will also have a Solar Photovoltaic certificate offered through agencies such as NAIT or Solar Alberta

 

Micro-generation process at a glance

Note: Steps are not necessarily sequential and may happen in parallel. Below is for demonstration only.

Micro-generation process in detail

1. Researching cost and equipment
2. Evaluate your retail options
3. Requirements gathering
4. Submit required applications
5. Installation
6. Sign the interconnection agreement
7. Submit electrical permit and inspection report
8. Meter update

FortisAlberta micro-generation FAQs

Billing
How to read your bi-directional meter
Why doesn’t my system generation match the received/credit amount on my bill?
What if my consumption has increased in the last 12 months?
What if I move?
Aggregating sites
Irrigation micro-generation sites and winter

Alberta Utility Commission (AUC) Micro-generation FAQs

AUC FAQs

Potential funding opportunities

To support adoption of alternative energy and renewables, there are funding opportunities available through various agencies. Please ensure to contact funding providers directly with any questions regarding conditions or applications. FortisAlberta staff are unable to provide funding guidance or support. 

*These funding opportunities are constantly changing. FortisAlberta makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of this information. 

Funding Options

Administered by Alberta Municipal Services Corporation, offered through select municipalities
Emissions Reduction Alberta Grant
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Financial Institutions Funding

Get started today

Now that you're ready to start your micro-generation project, please download and complete the application form and submit it by email to microgen@fortisalberta.com along with all other required supporting documents.

Form A – Micro-generation Notice (micro-generation application form)

Micro-Generation Library

For more information or to submit an application, please email microgen@fortisalberta.com or call 310-WIRE (9473).