Get Connected: Distributed Generation

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1 Get Connected: Distributed Generation Our goal is to make sure your distributed generation project is connected safely and efficiently. Getting connected to our system is a six-phase process. Use this timeline to learn what you need to do during that process, and what we ll be doing along the way. This process is for the following types of distributed generation: Small Scale Generator Generators that are distribution-connected and supply electricity to the grid from renewable or alternative sources. The size of the generator is limited by the distribution system capacity, which is typically 25 MW. Non-export Any generator connected to the system for backup, improved reliability or to offset energy consumption. In addition, generators that parallel the system for more than 100 milliseconds (ms) are considered non-export. Those that parallel for less than 100 ms are standby generators which have fewer technical and interconnection requirements. Commercial Generators such as solar, wind and gas that are planning to export power onto the electrical system, excluding those that qualify as a micro-generator. Distributed Generation Library FAQs Option M

2 Before You Begin If you ve worked with us before on a distributed generation project, you can go straight to the application to begin the interconnection process. We offer a pre-application consultation to provide you with information on the interconnection process and to help you scope the feasibility of your project for the selected location(s) before you submit an application. You will need to know your project location and generator size. If this Phase 1 consultation is not required, please proceed to the application in Phase 2. When you are ready to begin the interconnection process, you will need to complete an application so we can study the system capacity and estimate the cost of your generator connection. There are some pieces of information and additional forms you ll need to provide with your application, so please review this list and ensure you have them all: Type of generator (inverter, synchronous, induction) Estimated amount of power generated onto the system Legal land description Third-party authorization Electrician or consultant contact information Site plan diagram Once you re ready, complete the Distribution Generation Service Application. For more information or to submit an application, generation@ fortisalberta.com or call us at 310-WIRE (9473). After we receive your completed application, you ll move into Phase 2. You can review what happens in each phase below. Large generators that cannot be supported by the distribution system are required to submit an application to FortisAlberta for a Section 101(2) exemption as per the Electric Utilities Act. Once you submit your application, we ll respond within 30 days.

3 Phase 1 Pre-Application Consultation In this phase, a consultation is available to help you understand the overall interconnection process, scope your project feasibility based on location, and consider queue dependencies for your project. Our consultation fees start at $500 to review up to five project locations. A fee of $250 will be added for each additional location. You can submit a Pre-Application Request to us to get started. One Week

4 Phase 2 Application and High Level Study (HLS) In this phase, a distribution High Level Study will determine the feasibility of connecting your generator, the connection requirements and a ballpark cost. As of Oct. 1, 2018, the Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) will also provide a high level transmission study to provide you with the estimated cost of any transmission work that is required. Our assigned Key Account Manager will coordinate this application with the TFO on your behalf. Four Weeks Download and submit an application for a distributed generation High Level Study to generation@fortisalberta.com Indicate if you wish to proceed with a transmission High Level Study. The technical information provided will be used for the study. Make sure you ve submitted all supporting documents with your application Pay the High Level Study fee of $4,000 (+GST) per site to complete the distribution High Level Study. The transmission High Level Study fee is $3,000 (+GST) per site. Review your submission and assign a request number to your project Send you an invoice for the High Level Study fee(s) Create a detailed design for the generator connection Complete the High Level Study and send you the results Our assigned Key Account Manager will complete the transmission High Level Study application and work with the Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) to provide you with the results NOTE: Any invoices during the interconnection process that are not paid within 30 calendar days will result in a cancelled project. Scope change (location, increase in generator capacity, generator type or change in feeder) can remove a project from the queue and start a new project. Read more about our queue management practices.

5 Phase 3 Detailed Distribution Study In this phase, there are three stages that help determine the engineering and construction requirements to connect your generator to the distribution system and determine the cost of any required distribution upgrades. Stage 1: Detailed Distribution Study This is an important step to verify the system capacity based on your additional technical information and provide a review of your protection impact study. At this stage we also begin to plan for commissioning requirements with the Transmission Facility Owner (TFO). Eight - Twelve Weeks Review the High Level Study results and ask any clarification questions Sign and return the High Level Study acceptance letter for the location and/or option specified within 30 calendar days (or the project is cancelled and removed from the queue) Ask your Key Account Manager to initiate the Detailed Distribution Study Pay the Detailed Study fee of $10,000 (+GST) for projects without Supply Transmission Service (STS) and an additional $10,000 (+GST) when there is an AESO Behind the Fence (BTF) project involved Attend a meeting with us to review the entire project Prepare a Protection Impact Study for us Send you the High Level Study proposal for review (valid for 30 days) Send you an invoice for the High Level Study fee Advance the project to the Detailed Study Stage upon full payment of all required Detailed Study costs and receipt of additional technical information Carry out the Detailed Study Complete the Detailed Distribution Study and review the Protection Impact Study Schedule a site check to verify distribution upgrades on the site with you Collaborate with you to scope the project and review options NOTE: If payment and additional technical information is not received by the invoice due date, the project will be removed from the queue. The additional technical information is described in tab 2 of the Distributed Generation Service Application.

6 Stage 2: Plan and Design Connecting distributed generation projects safely and efficiently takes planning. In this phase, we lay the groundwork for the construction of your electrical infrastructure. Four Weeks Meet us on-site to confirm requirements, if necessary Send us any outstanding information that will help us complete our design Assign a designer to your project Review the project scope on-site, if necessary Create a detailed design for the generator connection

7 Stage 3: Complete Distribution Detailed Study As of Oct. 1, 2018, we will provide the Detailed Distribution Study results prior to the completion of the Transmission Interconnection Study. This will provide you with cost and scope information earlier in the interconnection process to help you re-scope or make critical go or no-go decisions about your project. Four Weeks Schedule a time for us to review your project and service requirements, if necessary Review the distribution work scope and cost estimate and determine whether you wish to re-scope your project or carry on with the transmission study. We ask that this decision point be completed within 30 calendar days (or the project will be canceled and removed from the queue). Meet you on-site, if necessary Put together an estimate and prepare a quotation package Wait for the transmission cost estimate, if necessary Collaborate with you on your project scope and next steps NOTE: If there is a transmission component of the project, the transmission cost will be provided to you in Phase 4.

8 Phase 4 Transmission System Interconnection Study In this phase, the engineering and construction requirements of connecting your generator to the transmission system and cost are determined Weeks Pay the Transmission Study fee. The cost varies based on project location and scope and starts at $30,000 (+GST) for a typical project. Attend Transmission Study meetings with us Answer questions and provide detailed information for your project as required Begin Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) Study Protection and Power Flow Studies as required Begin Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) Study Protection and Power Flow Studies as required Attend Transmission Study meetings Receive the Quotation and Proposal from the TFO Apply to the AESO to start a Behind the Fence (BTF) application for your generator, if necessary

9 Phase 5 Interconnection Proposal In this phase, there are two steps for the distribution and transmission quotation package, pre-construction steps and the Interconnection Agreement and Operating Procedures to move toward construction and energization of your generation project. Stage 1: Complete Transmission Study Four Weeks Receive an interconnection proposal with the quotation letter package Send the signed quote letter with payment and approval to proceed within 30 calendar days, or the project will be cancelled and removed from the queue Coordinate with the Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) on the transmission cost estimate Prepare a quotation letter package that includes the distribution and transmission scope and cost estimates Send invoices for the full Distribution and Transmission costs required to advance the project. The available capacity is secured for a further 30 calendar days from the date of invoice.

10 Stage 2: Pre-Construction One Week Return the signed Electrical Service Agreement to us Gather information from the preenergization checklist found in your quotation package Process your acceptance documentation Provide the Electrical Service Agreement and begin working on the Interconnection Agreement and Operating Procedures Start pre-energization activities Begin work on Construction Stage Send request to Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) to begin their Construction Stage Continue through the AESO Behind the Fence (BTF) process

11 Phase 6 Construct and Energize In this phase, there are two steps for construction, energization and commissioning. Stage 1: Construct and Energize This stage includes all the work that must be completed on-site by us and by you. Up to 52 Weeks Complete any necessary on-site work such as backfilling or trenching Make sure your facilities are installed and ready for connection Grant our crews access to your site Visit the site and evaluate its readiness Contact Alberta One-Call to ensure digging locations are marked Schedule our crew Complete construction

12 Stage 2: Energize and Commission This is the stage where we confirm your generator has been installed, will be operated safely and won t affect other customers connected to the system. We will sign an Interconnection Agreement with you and issue permission to connect the generator. One Week Ensure all information required in the preenergization checklist has been provided Provide the Electrical Permit Provide metering certification within seven days of energization Ensure your facility construction is complete Send you your generator Site ID Work with you to make sure everything in the pre-energization checklist is complete Finalize the Interconnection Agreement and Operating Procedures and send to you to sign Issue permission to connect the generator If you have a load service, call your billing company and provide your Site ID to enrol your site Once enrolled, call your billing company to turn your power on Review and sign the Interconnection Agreement and Operating Procedures

13 Other Participants in the Connection Process FortisAlberta is only one of the parties that you may be required to work with to complete the interconnection of your Distributed Generation project. As a generator, you will be required to obtain approvals from the Alberta Utilities Commission. If your project has certain size specifications, you may also need to comply with the Alberta Electric System Operator s (AESO) requirements for Behind the Fence (BTF) generation. Finally, the interconnection of your project may require you to work closely with a Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) to determine whether upgrades to the local transmission system will be necessary to interconnect your project. Please visit the agency websites referred to above for more information. Your FortisAlberta Key Accounts advisor will assist you in identifying the TFO in your area.

14 Get Started Today Now you re ready to start your Distributed Generation project. Please download and complete the application form and submit it by to along with all other required supporting documents. Visit: