Grid connection process

Step-by-step guide to our connection process.

Are you looking to connect your Distributed Energy Resource (DER) to Toronto Hydro’s grid? We can help you get connected. Follow our connections 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 connections process.

The following steps are for different types of micro-embedded generation facilities, including net metering (10 kW or less).

Step 1: Submit a preliminary request

Complete the Preliminary Consultation Information Request: 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 the preliminary request. The request is free of charge and we provide you with connection details and allowable capacity.

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

Complete the Micro-Embedded Generation Facility Application (PDF, 124 KB). Submit the application to us according to the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Application and Connection Guidelines (PDF, 83 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 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 Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Application and Connections Guidelines.

Step 4: Start construction

You can start construction based on the Connection Agreement.

For net metering projects, we’ll prepare the Service Layout Report. You can start construction of your net metering 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: 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 the request. The request is free of charge and we provide you with connection details and allowable capacity.

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

Complete the Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) Application (PDF, 4.2 MB) and submit it to us according to the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Application and Connection Guidelines (PDF, 83 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 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 make an online service request.

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 onsite 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!

Resources

Sample protection philosophy

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has shared a sample protection philosophy (PDF, 138 KB), which meets the interconnection standard. This is a guide to help applicants develop their own protection philosophy document, but your document must reflect all the elements of your specific project.

As the applicant, you’re responsible for ensuring that your protection philosophy adheres to the codes, standards and legislation in place at the time of your application.

To help ensure the right protections are in place for your DER, we’ll review your protection philosophy and reach out to you if more information is required.

Restricted feeders

Certain feeders in Toronto Hydro's service territory are restricted. This means that they have no additional short-circuit capacity and are currently unable to host DERs.

We’ve included a list of restricted feeders (PDF, 30 KB), which we update every three months.

If you have a specific address you'd like to check, use our Generation and Storage Capacity Lookup Tool.

Flexible hosting capacity

Toronto Hydro doesn't currently offer flexible hosting capacity arrangements for the connection of DERs. Please check back periodically for updates.

Are you generating energy from renewable sources?

You may be eligible for our net metering program.

Learn more