Distribution Generator Interconnections
The distribution generator interconnection team assists generator owners who would like to connect to the BC Hydro distribution system (up to 35 kV). We will be able to help you if you are:
- An independent power producer (IPP) who intends to sell power to BC Hydro;
- A customer using one or more generators to offset your load consumption (also called load displacement);
- An existing customer adding or replacing a generator to your facility; or
- A generator owner who would like to synchronize your generator to our network.
If you are looking for interconnections over 35 kV or information on our wholesale transmission service, see transmission generator interconnections.
If you are planning to sell power to BC Hydro, start by reviewing the Standing Offer Program (SOP). There have been important recent developments to the SOP that may affect your project.
- Connection process overview
- Reports, policies & related documents
- Technical requirements
- Revenue metering requirements
- Micro-generator requirements
- Closed transition transfer generators
- How to reach us
Connection process overview
All generator interconnection requests are first-come, first-served. Each interconnection request is first reviewed for technical compatibility. We will then assess the impacts of the interconnection request on our system and facilities taking into consideration key project specifics like site location, generator type, size and the proposed power output.
The general distribution generator interconnection process consists of five steps.
- Basic distribution system information request
- Fact sheet [PDF, 52 KB]
- Application form [PDF, 112 KB]
- Screening study (recommended but optional)
- Fact sheet [PDF, 51 KB]
- Application form [PDF, 536 KB]
- System impact study
- Fact sheet [PDF, 52 KB]
- Application form [MS Excel, 485 KB]
- Sample agreement [PDF, 15 KB]
- Facilities study
- Fact sheet [PDF, 48 KB] (application data from system impact study applies)
- Sample agreement [PDF, 14 KB]
- Distribution generator interconnection agreement
- Sample agreement [PDF, 200 KB]
Reports, policies & related documents
Fiscal 2021 Quarterly performance metrics
- Distribution Generator Interconnection Metrics [PDF, 68 KB]
Other related documents
- Transfer Switches for Secondary Customer Services Emergency Standby Generators [PDF, 989 KB]
- Interconnection security methodology FAQ [PDF, 32 KB]
- BC Hydro Distributed Generator Interconnection practices [PDF, 273 KB]
Technical requirements
- Distribution generator interconnection requirements [PDF, 560 KB]
- Distribution power generator islanding guidelines [PDF, 178 KB]
- 100 kW and below distribution generation interconnection requirements [PDF, 599 KB]
Revenue metering requirements
For details about revenue metering requirements, please go to our technical standards and guides.
Micro-generator projects
Micro-generation is the production of electricity on a small scale, using renewable and alternative energy sources. We define a micro-generator as one that intends to add over 100 kW and up to 1 MW into the distribution system. Micro-generator projects need to successfully complete the basic distribution information request and screening study (outlined in the five steps above). After that, your project may require a system impact study or your project may qualify for our streamlined design stage application process.
- Distribution micro-generator project application form [PDF, 584 KB]
When you submit your completed micro-generator project application, make sure you also include the required $7,500 deposit.
Closed transition transfer generators
Closed transition transfer (CTT) projects (temporary parallel operation with a utility) find widespread use in hospitals, data centres and critical facilities where load is sensitive to momentary power loss when transferring between two acceptable sources.
If you have a generator you're looking to connect to our grid for the purpose of temporarily transferring load to/from standby generation to/from BC Hydro, the following information on this connection process will apply to you:
- CTT projects fact sheet [PDF, 35 KB]
- CTT fact sheet: ship to shore connections [PDF, 38 KB]
- CTT process flowchart [PDF, 116 KB]
- CTT interconnection requirements [PDF, 196 KB]
- CTT application [PDF, 580 KB]
- CTT application requirement checklist 1: Certified Momentary CTT [PDF, 76 KB]
- CTT application requirement checklist 2: Extended CTT System [PDF, 35 KB]
How to reach us
We're happy to help. Feel free to contact us with any generator-related questions.
Email: distribution.generators@bchydro.com
BC Hydro
Edmonds B03
6911 Southpoint Drive
Burnaby, B.C.
V3N 4X8