Generation and storage connection process

Steps to connect your generation and/or storage facilities, such as solar and battery energy storage systems.

Are you looking to connect a distributed energy resource (DER), such as a solar or battery energy storage system, to Toronto Hydro’s grid? We can help you get connected. Follow our connection process and we’ll review your application.

We’ve recently lifted solar and storage system size restrictions for almost all customers. This means you can connect larger solar and storage systems to help power your home or business.

How to apply and connect to the grid

We’ve outlined a couple of processes, including application forms, depending on your type of DER project.

Note: Once you apply, we may request additional documents or information throughout the connection process.

The following steps are for various types of micro-embedded generation facilities (10 kW or less), including net metering and load displacement projects.

Step 1: Submit a preliminary request

Complete the Preliminary Consultation Information Request Form: Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Connections (PDF, 457 KB) and email it to DER@torontohydro.com. This step is optional, but we encourage you to complete this free preliminary request in order to receive connection details and allowable capacity.

Step 2: Request to connect to Toronto Hydro's grid

Complete the Micro-Embedded Generation Facility Application Form (PDF, 124 KB). Submit the application to us according to the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Application and Connection Guidelines (PDF, 123 KB).

Note: If you’re submitting an application for a net metering project that involves a third-party generator, you must follow the requirements outlined on our Net Metering Program page.

Step 3: Sign and return your Connection Agreement with payment

Once you complete your application and meet our requirements, we’ll issue you a Connection Agreement. You must sign and return it to us according to the DER Application and Connections Guidelines.

Step 4: Start construction

You can start construction based on the Connection Agreement.

For net metering and load displacement projects, we’ll prepare the Service Layout Report. You can start construction of your net metering or load displacement project after you receive the instructions from the report.

Step 5: Complete Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection

You must make a request to the ESA for an electrical inspection upon completing construction. After you receive the ESA Certificate, email it to DER@torontohydro.com.

Once we’ve received your ESA Certificate, we’ll arrange for your project to be inspected by Toronto Hydro.

Step 6: Meter installation (if applicable)

If your project passes our final site inspection, we’ll schedule a date to install your new meter.

Step 7: Connection complete

Congratulations, you're now connected to the grid!

The following steps are for net metering projects and all other large DER projects greater than 10 kW.

Step 1: Submit a preliminary request

Complete the Preliminary Consultation Information Request Form: Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Connections (PDF, 457 KB) and email it to DER@torontohydro.com. This step is optional, but we encourage you to complete this free preliminary request in order to receive connection details and allowable capacity.

Step 2: Request to connect to Toronto Hydro's grid

Complete the Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) Application Form (PDF, 4.3 MB) and submit it to us according to the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Application and Connection Guidelines (PDF, 123 KB).

Note: If you’re submitting an application for a net metering project that involves a third-party generator, you must follow the requirements outlined on our Net Metering Program page.

Step 3: Sign and return your Offer to Connect with payment

Once you complete your application and meet our requirements, we’ll issue you an Offer to Connect/Connection Cost Agreement (OTC-CCA) that must be signed and returned to us with your final payment.

Step 4: Start construction

After design and technical parameters are finalized, you can start construction in accordance with the OTC-CCA. If a temporary disconnection (isolation) is needed, please submit an isolation request through our Service Connection Hub.

Step 5: Complete Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection

After completing construction, you must make a request to the ESA for an electrical inspection.

Once you’ve installed the equipment and obtained ESA inspection and certification, you must send the ESA Certificate to DER@torontohydro.com. Please include “ESA Notice of Inspection” and the project address in the email subject line.

Step 6: Start commissioning

Once we’ve received your ESA Certificate and reviewed your commissioning document package, we’ll arrange for a Toronto Hydro representative to come on site and witness the commissioning process for the project. Then, we’ll prepare and issue a Connection Agreement.

Step 7: Meter installation

We’ll install the right meter for your DER.

Step 8: Connection complete

Congratulations, you're now connected to the grid!

Grid connections

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