Grid connection 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, 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 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, 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 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!

The Toronto Hydro Restricted Feeder Look-Up Tool, as well as the related feeder list (collectively, the “Feeder Tool”) is intended to provide customers with specific information on Toronto Hydro’s generation capacity within its electricity distribution service area based on their address query. This Feeder Tool is being provided for information purposes only, and is provided on as-is and as-available basis at the time of publication. Toronto Hydro expressly disclaims any and all warranties, representations, undertakings or guarantees, express or implied, in connection with the Feeder Tool and all information therein, including, but not limited to any warranties or guarantees of completeness, accuracy, thoroughness, timeliness, reliability, quality, or fitness for a specific purpose. Toronto Hydro conveys no intellectual property or other rights in the Feeder Tool or any other intellectual property in enabling such access to the Feeder Tool.

In making use of accessing the Feeder Tool, you acknowledge that use of the Feeder Tool is solely at your own risk and you assume any and all responsibility for any interpretations or decisions made. Toronto Hydro shall not be liable for any damages, liabilities, losses, claims, demands, obligations, costs, and expenses, relating to your access or use of the Feeder Tool.

Any prospective generation assets that may be connected to Toronto Hydro’s distribution system shall only be connected in accordance with Toronto Hydro’s interconnection application process. Information on Toronto Hydro’s process for connecting distributed generation or distributed energy resources can be found here, or by contacting Toronto Hydro at DER@TorontoHydro.com.