Business - Types of DERs (emergency back-up, net metering, non-exporting, and stand-alone)

This energy option should only be used when the local grid electricity supply is temporarily unavailable. It is a quick and convenient way to ensure your life stays uninterrupted when needed. While there are many different options for choosing the right generator, we encourage you to do your research first to be best prepared before an emergency occurs. For more information on the different types of generators, you can read our blog on the topic.

For further information on connecting your generator, you can refer to Hydro Ottawa standard ECG0002 Technical Guideline For Customer Owned Standby Generation.

Generators that can supply electricity to the utility grid shall comply with the requirements of ECG0006: Distributed Energy Resource Technical Requirement.

Net metering allows you to reduce your monthly electricity costs by generating your own electricity from a renewable energy source, instead of using Hydro Ottawa’s supply.

These sources, or Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs), generate electricity from renewable energy options, including wind, water, solar, and agricultural biomass. Energy storage systems are considered sources that generate electricity when discharging and can be combined with RET generation to form a net-metering installation. Please note that energy storage on its own does not qualify for the net-metering program.

Program requirements: 

1. The energy source must be renewable as defined in Hydro Ottawa’s Conditions of Service.
2. There must be capacity availability in the utility grid to host the proposed project.
3. Must pass Hydro Ottawa assessment and approvals.
4. Must pass Ontario Electrical Safety Authority requirements.

References:

• Ontario Regulation 541/05, Net-Metering
• OEB - Distribution System Code
• OEB - Distributed Energy Resource Connection Procedures
• Hydro Ottawa Conditions of Service
• Ontario Electrical Safety Authority requirements
• City of Ottawa bylaw and building code requirements

General net metering and net metering rate information

While net metering allows you to reduce your monthly costs by generating your electricity, it also benefits you because any extra energy you produce and don’t use is sent back to the grid for a non-cash credit. This credit will appear on your electricity bill as a line item noted as ‘Generation Credit Balance’. This credit cannot be redeemed for cash or as payment for other services.

Other bill line items related to the generation account are also reflected on net metering bills. For a detailed example, please view Hydro Ottawa’s net metering sample bill.

Net metering customers can also choose their rate plan for consumption and generation billed on or after January 1, 2024. Further information is detailed below.

Customer Choice for net metering customers

Net metering customers have their choice of RPP Pricing Plan for consumption and generation that occurs on or after January 1, 2024 (i.e. for billing periods that begin on or after January 1, 2024)

As such, net metering customers on the RPP can choose the electricity rate plan that best meets their energy needs and lifestyle: Time-of-use, Tiered or Ultra-low overnight prices.

Considering a switch?

To switch between rate plans, existing net metering customers must notify Hydro Ottawa. You can do this in different ways:

• ONLINE: 

  Net metering customers can change rate plan online through Hydro Ottawa’s MyAccount customer portal. This is the preferred method to complete your form. It’s quick to submit, and no need to save and send. It’s also the most efficient way to process your request.

• BY EMAIL: 

  Using Hydro Ottawa’s fillable PDF form. Once completed and signed, please save your form, fill out our Contact Us online form and add the attachment.

• You can also contact us using the following methods:
  • Through our ‘’Live Chat Support’’ feature
    • Please login to MyAccount to use this feature at hydroottawa.com/myaccount
    • Chat service hours: Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Complete our “Contact Us’’ online form
    • hydroottawa.com/contactus
  • Contact us by phone
    • Our call center representatives can help you complete your form over the phone.
    • Call 613 738-6400, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• BY MAIL: 

  You may print the completed signed form and send it by mail to the address below. If you cannot print the form, please contact us and we will send you a copy.

  Hydro Ottawa
  PO Box 8700
  Ottawa, ON K1G 3S4
  Attn: Customer Service – Rate Selection Form

Rate Setting
The Ontario Energy Board  (OEB) sets new electricity rates under the Regulated Price Plan (RPP) annually in November. To learn more about the RPP rate setting, please refer to the Ontario Energy Board electricity rates page.

Self-net metering

If you’ve opted for net metering where the generator is self-owned, this is called “self-net metering”. You will receive a non-cash credit for any kilowatt hours of energy that you generate but do not use, which are then exported back into the local electricity grid. This credit will appear on your electricity bill as a line item noted as ‘Generation Credit Balance’. This credit cannot be redeemed for cash or as payment for other services, and any credit remaining after 12 months of its occurrence expires.

Third-party net metering

Third-party net metering allows a customer to participate in net metering without owning or operating the renewable generation facility. Similarly to self-net metering, tiered rates apply, and a credit is provided for electricity exported to the utility grid. The credit cannot be redeemed for cash or as payment for other services, and any credit remaining after 12 months of its occurrence expires.

Regulatory amendments that took effect July 1, 2022, clarify that customers can access third-party ownership arrangements like leasing, renting, financing, and power purchase agreements to provide renewable generation equipment or to purchase renewable electricity for the purposes of net metering.

These changes also introduced consumer protection measures for electricity retailing and other third party net metering ownership arrangements. To assist customers in making an informed decision, the Ontario Energy Board released Consumer-Facing Materials and Retailer Forms related to third-party net metering.

Net metering and retailer contracts

If you have a contract with a licensed electricity retailer, please contact your retailer before making any arrangements with Hydro Ottawa to ensure your agreement allows for net metering. Confirmation from your retailer is required before any net metering installations.

If you are an existing net metering customer and would like to enroll with an electricity retailer, confirmation from a licensed retailer is required in order to remain a net metering customer with Hydro Ottawa.

Non-exporting generation is for customers who produce electricity solely for self-consumption purposes at all times; no electricity will be exported back to the utility grid. All non-exporting DERs with an installed capacity of 500 kilowatts (kW) or greater must have revenue grade metering installed to measure the DER’s electricity production.

While the non-exporting connection request may be easier to make, the same connection process as Hydro Ottawa’s net metering program applies.

Requirements:

1. Any energy source may be used.
2. There must be capacity availability in the utility grid to host the proposed project.
3. Must pass Hydro Ottawa assessment and approvals.
4. Must pass Ontario Electrical Safety Authority requirements.

References:

• OEB - Retail Settlement Code
• OEB - Distribution System Code
• OEB - Distributed Energy Resource Connection Procedures
• Hydro Ottawa Conditions of Service
• Ontario Electrical Safety Authority requirements
• City of Ottawa by-law and building code requirements

For more information about charges, please read the non-exporting charge section under DER connection process and application forms web page.

If you intend to pass all generated electricity into the utility grid with no self-consumption, then you would be seeking a stand-alone DER. The purpose of this would be to provide the grid with electricity and to receive compensation in return. The process to follow is the same as with net metering, though a dedicated electrical service will be needed and thus there will be more requirements for your metering, monitoring, control and protection.

Requirements:

1. Any energy source may be used
2. There must be capacity availability in the utility grid to host the proposed project.
3. Must pass Hydro Ottawa assessment and approvals.
4. Must obtain a generator license from the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and potentially a contract with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
5. Must pass Ontario Electrical Safety Authority requirements.
6. HST registration - check Canada Revenue Agency guidelines
7. Must pass City of Ottawa requirements (zoning, building, by-law, etc.)

References:

• IESO - Market Rules  (especially Chapter 4 Connections Process), SIA process (if applicable), energy or services procurement programs.
• OEB - generator license conditions
• OEB - Retail Settlement Code
• OEB - Distribution System Code
• OEB - Distributed Energy Resource Connection Procedures
• Canada Revenue Agency for registering a business, HST registration, or tax incentives
• Hydro Ottawa Conditions of Service
• Ontario Electrical Safety Authority requirements
• City of Ottawa by-law and building code requirements