Connection Assessment and Approval (CAA) Process: Obtaining an Assessment

A brief overview of the CAA process with links to relevant documents and forms plus a link to the process flowchart for each are provided below. Detailed information is available in Market Manual 2.10, Connection Assessment and Approval.

As the applicant, you must establish a detailed project design before beginning the CAA process. We recommend that you consult with the applicable transmitter or distributor to seek advice regarding the preferred point of connection. This is especially important in situations where system constraints may influence the connection or where new equipment is required to be installed within transmitter or distributor-owned facilities.

The Green Energy Act, 2009 (GEA) passed by the Ontario Legislature on May 14, 2009 includes a provision for a new renewable energy program named the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program. It is designed to further encourage the development of renewable energy generation in Ontario. Developers of renewable generating facilities interested in the FIT Program are advised not to apply for System Impact Assessments (SIA) in advance of executing a FIT Contract with the OPA. Unless a SIA application was made prior to March 14, 2009, Proponents must not apply for a SIA in respect of their projects until the FIT contract has been executed with OPA.

The OPA has designed a standardized price FIT Program and has engaged stakeholders to seek input on the draft program rules and contract. More information is available here: www.powerauthority.on.ca/FIT.

1. System Impact Assessment (SIA) - SIA Flowchart

An SIA is a mandatory assessment conducted by the IESO in order to assess the impact of the connection proposal on the reliability of the integrated power system.

SIA Applications

* Feed-in Tariff (FIT) - Developers of renewable generating facilities that are interested in the FIT program are advised not to apply for System Impact Assessment in advance of executing a FIT Contract. Unless an SIA application was made prior to March 14, 2009, applying for such an assessment, in advance of the execution of the FIT contract with the OPA could result in the project's inability to participate in the FIT program.

2. Expedited System Impact Assessment - Expedited SIA Flowchart

An expedited SIA, which does not require a formal study, will be conducted when the connection proposal does not represent a major system change and is not expected to have a major impact on the reliability of the integrated power system. Guidelines for determining if an expedited SIA is appropriate can be found in Section 9.2 of Market Manual 2.10.

3. Optional Feasibility Study - Feasibility Study Flowchart

Proponents may request an optional Feasibility Study in order to determine the technical acceptability of a new or modified connection to the IESO-controlled grid and to identify alternate connection options.

Feasibility Study Applications

Use of Consultants

Connection applicants may wish to engage a consultant to perform connection assessment studies or Feasibility studies. For further details refer to the IESO's Guidelines for Performance of Connection Assessment Studies by Consultants.

Questions

Questions about the connection assessment process should be directed to connection.assessments@ieso.ca.


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Detailed information is available in Market Manual 2.10, Connection Assessment and Approval. As the applicant, you must establish a detailed project design before beginning the CAA process. We recommend that you consult with the applicable transmitter or distributor to seek advice regarding the preferred point of connection. This is especially important in situations where system constraints may influence the connection or where new equipment is required to be installed within transmitter or distributor-owned facilities. The Green Energy Act, 2009 (GEA) passed by the Ontario Legislature on May 14, 2009 includes a provision for a new renewable energy program named the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program. It is designed to further encourage the development of renewable energy generation in Ontario. Developers of renewable generating facilities interested in the FIT Program are advised not to apply for System Impact Assessments (SIA) in advance of executing a FIT Contract with the OPA. Unless a SIA application was made prior to March 14, 2009, Proponents must not apply for a SIA in respect of their projects until the FIT contract has been executed with OPA. The OPA has designed a standardized price FIT Program and has engaged stakeholders to seek input on the draft program rules and contract. More information is available here: www.powerauthority.on.ca/FIT. 1. System Impact Assessment (SIA) - SIA Flowchart An SIA is a mandatory assessment conducted by the IESO in order to assess the impact of the connection proposal on the reliability of the integrated power system. SIA Applications Generation Facilities * Transmission Facilities Load Facilities Ancillary Services * Feed-in Tariff (FIT) - Developers of renewable generating facilities that are interested in the FIT program are advised not to apply for System Impact Assessment in advance of executing a FIT Contract. Unless an SIA application was made prior to March 14, 2009, applying for such an assessment, in advance of the execution of the FIT contract with the OPA could result in the project's inability to participate in the FIT program. 2. Expedited System Impact Assessment - Expedited SIA Flowchart An expedited SIA, which does not require a formal study, will be conducted when the connection proposal does not represent a major system change and is not expected to have a major impact on the reliability of the integrated power system. Guidelines for determining if an expedited SIA is appropriate can be found in Section 9.2 of Market Manual 2.10. 3. Optional Feasibility Study - Feasibility Study Flowchart Proponents may request an optional Feasibility Study in order to determine the technical acceptability of a new or modified connection to the IESO-controlled grid and to identify alternate connection options. Feasibility Study Applications Generation Facilities Transmission Facilities Load Facilities Ancillary Services Use of Consultants Connection applicants may wish to engage a consultant to perform connection assessment studies or Feasibility studies. For further details refer to the IESO's Guidelines for Performance of Connection Assessment Studies by Consultants. Questions Questions about the connection assessment process should be directed to connection.assessments@ieso.ca.

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