Micro-Generation / Distributed Energy Resource (DER)

You (the micro-generation owner) will:

• Submit a System Size Review application

Applications should be submitted by homeowners, as the City will not provide your personal information to a third party without prior authorization.

Complete your System Size Review application

The Strategy & Analysis department will:

• Review historical consumption data for the proposed project location to ensure that the system size complies with the Electrical Utility bylaw #2244.
• Send an email to the homeowner stating the maximum allowable system size in kW (DC)

Consumption will be based on the following:

• Existing properties: usage at the proposed installation site
• New properties: usage from comparable sites

Estimated time: 10 to 14 business days

You or your contractor/electrician will review and obtain the following forms:

• Micro-Generation / Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Guide – Explains City Electric requirements for your micro-generation installation and how to complete an application form.
• System Size Approval - Completed by owner and shared with the contractor. This must show the "Maximum System Size (DC)."
• Net Billing Connection Agreement for Micro-Generation – Establishes the terms and conditions under which the output of your micro-generation facility will be served by City Electric. Please ensure it is reviewed and signed.
• Micro-Generation Single-Line Diagram – A template for Single Phase Grid-Dependent is provided with detailed information regarding the source of micro-generation, inverter system and electric panel connection. If this does not fit your setup, please provide your own custom single-line diagram with required information. The diagram must show all interconnection protection function requirements based on the system.
• Manufacturer’s Equipment Data Sheet & Applicable certification document(s) - This includes inverter operational settings document, commissioning report c/w protection settings & operating manual. Inverter Documentation displaying compliance with the following:
  • CSA Standard C22.2 107.1 - Power Conversion Equipment, in particular standards respecting "Anti-islanding"
  • UL1741 Supplement A - Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources

• Site Plan or pictures to illustrate the Micro-Generation location - (Only required if NOT roof top solar) Must show existing electric service to building (overhead or underground), proposed location of solar array, wind turbine, etc. and how DC/AC supply line will be installed to the residence/building. Must show location of disconnecting means.

You or your contractor/electrician will:

• Submit a fully completed application form and all required documentation.
• Pay a non-refundable micro-generation application fee as per City of Medicine Hat current standard charges. This applies to new micro-generation systems and micro-generation expansion, if there is a change to the inverter(s) as inspection/commissioning is required.

Fill out the Micro-generation Application form

We will:

• Assign an electrical technologist to review your application package. If required, you will be contacted for any additional information deemed necessary to complete the application.

Estimated time: three weeks

We will:

• Send you a Micro-Generation Design Approval letter by email
• Send a copy of your Micro-Generation Design Approval letter by email to the Strategy & Analysis department
• Issue the work order to Electrical Operations

You or your contractor/electrician will:

• Obtain an Electrical Permit & Site Inspection Report
  • Ensure the inspection is completed by the electrical inspectors as per the permit requirements
• Arrange for connection through our City Operations - Electric Customer Service at 403-529-8262 or elecdist@medicinehat.ca to advise you are ready to be connected
  • Email a copy of the Electrical Permit & Site Inspection Report
  • A scheduled time will only be completed after the above conditions are met
Obtain all other applicable permits/permissions that may be required from Planning & Development Services
• This could include a review of structural integrity of your roof should you be looking at a photovoltaic panel installation or determining if a wind turbine installation is allowed on your site.
• Contact the Safety Codes Inspection Department having jurisdiction to confirm requirements

Estimated time: six weeks

We will:

• Confirm a work order has been issued
• Confirm a copy of electrical permit has been received
• Confirm the contractor has scheduled a time for testing of inverter operation settings

Estimated time: two weeks

We will:

• Meet at scheduled time for testing of the inverter or other operational settings
• Replace the existing electric utility billing meter with a bi-directional billing meter, if commissioning is successful
• Provide you and Strategy & Analysis with a copy of the Commissioning Report
• Initially, on a monthly basis, read the bi-directional billing meter

Estimated time: one day

You or your contractor/electrician will:

• Be required to turn on and test your micro-generation system prior to scheduled meter install, to confirm system is functioning
• Be authorized to connect your micro-generation facility to the electric distribution system