Generator Interconnections
Print This Page Email This Page

Are you a generator owner or an independent power producer (IPP) and need to get connected to the BC Hydro grid? Whether you intend to sell the power to BC Hydro or synchronize your generator to BC Hydro's network, BC Hydro offers interconnection service to connect the power generator to BC Hydro's Distribution network (up to 35 kV). We will assist you in determining the most appropriate interconnection, depending on your site location and proposed power output of the generator. For interconnections over 35 kV, please visit the British Columbia Transmission Corporation website.

Overview

BC Hydro is committed to an open and impartial process in responding to requests for generator interconnections from independent power generators. Requests for interconnection are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each interconnection request is reviewed for technical compatibility to ensure the proposed generator is able to be connected and to assess the impact of the proposed generator on BC Hydro's systems and facilities.

The following describes the general processes. For specific BC Hydro competitive electricity acquisition activities, there may be slight variations.

For more information, read the one-page info sheet [PDF, 47 Kb]

Process

The process generally includes these four steps:

Determine the technical and economic feasibility of the interconnection.
Secure the necessary service agreements with BC Hydro.
Define the project interconnection requirements and sign an Interconnection Agreement.
Implement the connection, including construction and final commissioning of the connection to BC Hydro's Distribution network.

For information about wholesale transmission service, see the BC Transmission Corporation website.

Clean Power Call Interconnection Studies

On June 11, 2008, BC Hydro issued the Clean Power Call Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP documents are found on BC Hydro's Clean Power Call web pagesite. The interconnection studies were completed following BCTC's Competitive Electricity Acquisition Process (CEAP), Appendix P of the Open Access Transmission Tariff. The information from these studies will be used to evaluate proposals and select successful bidders.

What does an IPP need to do?

Under this Call, IPPs proposing to connect to the BC Hydro Distribution System (35 kV and less) must submit their applications to BC Hydro's Generator Interconnection and Transmission Services at gen.connections@bchydro.com, as follows:
By October 7, 2008:

Submit an application (Generator Interconnection Equipment Statement [MS Excel, 551 Kb]); a signed and sealed hard copy, and a soft copy are required.
Submit the $15,000 application study deposit

By November 7, 2008 (4:00 p.m. PPT):

Submit a Preliminary Interconnection Study Agreement [PDF, 15 Kb]
Submit an additional $15,000 Preliminary Interconnection Study Agreement deposit
Submit a completed application; a signed and sealed hard copy, and a soft copy are required

To proceed through the study process, IPPs must meet technical requirements and provide data to BC Hydro in a timely manner. See the D-interconnection presentation [PDF, 326 Kb], which was revealed at the BCTC Interconnection workshop.

To get started

Please refer to the information below to help you determine which service(s) you need.
Download the appropriate application form(s).
Submit the completed form(s) to Generator Interconnection and Transmission Services, or contact us if you require assistance.

Generator Interconnection and Transmission Services
BC Hydro
333 Dunsmuir Street, 10th floor
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5R3
Phone: 604 623 4138 or 604 623 3755
Fax: 604 623 4335