Micro-Generation / Distributed Energy Resource (DER)

Generating your own power is an environmentally conscious decision. Medicine Hat is well-positioned to support your success.

You may qualify for a rebate for your new residential micro-generation system through the award-winning HAT Smart program. Find out more on the HAT Smart page.

Renewable generation

We approve microgeneration facilities that generate electricity.

Other generation

Sources, other than renewable, are acceptable but will not be allowed to export.

How to apply

Getting connected with us is a simple five-step process. Use the following timeline to learn what you need to do and what we will be doing during that process.
Request a System Size Review
You (the micro-generation owner) will:

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

Complete your 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.

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
Obtain forms
You or your contractor/electrician will review and obtain the following forms:
Project initiation
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.
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
Application approval
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
Construction & commissioning
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

Forms and additional information

Micro-generation application form

Micro-generation / distributed energy resource interconnection guide

Net billing connection agreement for micro-generators

Micro-generation single-line diagram

Permit and fees

Owners considering installing a micro-generation system are required to obtain permits (electrical, development). A non-refundable micro-generation fee, as per current standard charges, must accompany the application before it can be processed.