Becoming A Micro-Generator

If you're planning to generate your own electricity there are a number of steps that need to be taken. At EPCOR, we work with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and the City of Edmonton to ensure all safety and regulatory requirements are met before connecting a micro-generator to the grid.

Start by reviewing:

• AUC Micro-Generation Regulation

• City of Edmonton permitting requirements

Once you understand the regulatory and permitting requirements, here's what you do next:

1. Make a plan for your system

Determine the size and type of microgeneration system you wish to install, and have it designed.

For Micro-Generation Systems 150kW or Larger, or any Micro-Generation System on the Network

If your system is 150kW or larger, or on the network, you will need to contact us at (780) 412-3128 to request an Interconnection Study before applying to the City of Edmonton for a permit.

In conjunction with the City of Edmonton design drawing requirements, we require that your design drawings include:

• A Single Line Diagram (include the following):
• Module brand, model, certification mark, quantity, combined STC output, and location.
• Service entrance information (line phase, voltage, wire service provider).
• All bonding and grounding conductors, and system grounding electrodes.
• All sub and main panel bus bar ratings and feeder breaker sizes.
• DC and AC disconnect locations on site.
• Minimum conductor size and length.
• Inverter brand, model, certification mark, quantity, individual and combined output rating (current voltage, voltage, and power), and their locations.
• Combiner box details, with fuse ratings where applicable.

• Solar array DC circuit rating per module for micro-inverters or DC Optimizers, or combined string ratings, at Standard Testing Conditions: Voltage Open Circuit, Max Power Voltage, Max Power Current, Show number of modules per string. 

• Site Plan/Real Property Report or Google Maps aerial screenshot:
• All existing and proposed structures.
• Distances from existing and proposed structures to property lines.
• The proposed microgeneration system dimensions (ex: solar panels) in relation to any existing and proposed structures.
• The location of the meter socket
• Drawings of the proposed microgeneration system (ex: solar panels) devices, stamped by the manufacturer's engineer or showing CSA approval.

2. Get your permits in place

Apply for all applicable permits from the City of Edmonton. This includes the electrical permit and may include the building permit. These permits are required as part of the application process set out by the (AUC). Remember, you're responsible for all civil work on your property, including obtaining any required permits, approvals, and underground utility locates.

For information on all of the permits necessary for your project, please contact the City of Edmonton's Sustainable Development Department by calling 311 or visiting their website.

3. Complete EPCOR's Application Form & include all necessary documents

Complete the micro-generation form and email it to distgen@epcor.com. The following information must also be included with your application:

• A copy of the City of Edmonton electrical permit issued and may include a copy of the building permit issued for site construction.

• A single line diagram with the information outlined in Step 1.

• Site plan/Real Property Report or Google Map aerial screenshot, with the information outlined in Step 1.

• Drawings of the proposed microgeneration system (ex: solar panels) devices, stamped by the manufacturer's engineer or showing CSA approval.

• Third Party Consent Form (if a contractor/consultant is acting on behalf of the customer).

Incomplete applications and supporting documents will be returned for correction and resubmission.

If you want to make additions or modifications to your micro-generator, you must provide us with an updated micro-generation application and completed package. Once you receive approval you can then make the modifications or upgrades.

4. Wait for us to review your application

We'll review your application to ensure it complies with our standards and the AUC Guidelines.

Upon review and acceptance, we'll create an interconnection agreement that allows you to add energy back onto the electricity grid, associated with this connection. You can expect to receive your interconnection agreement within 14 days of sending your completed application form to us.

Once you've reviewed the interconnection agreement, sign and return it via email in PDF format to distgen@epcor.com you can begin construction or installation of your system.

5. Get everything inspected

Before you connect your system, ensure everything has been inspected. Contact the city to make these arrangements.

6. Contact us to finalize the connection

Once everything has passed inspection, forward a copy of your passed electrical inspection report via email in PDF format to distgen@epcor.com. 

Check with your contractor to ensure that your retailer has been notified. Even though your connection is complete, your retailer will still need to be contacted in order for you to receive credit for supplying energy back to the grid. At that point, you'll start to see the financial benefits of micro-generation.

Micro-generation meters

In September 2015, we began replacing existing meters with new, bi-directional Advanced Meters. Unless you opted out of the program by contacting us, your meter will be one of the new AMI meters.

In the event that you install a large micro-generation system (>150kW), and you are not currently within the Time Of Use rate, you will then be re-classed to a Time Of Use meter to allow for an interval meter to be installed at your site as per AUC requirements. For any further questions, contact Retailer Communication at (780) 412-7899.