Become a micro-generator

EPCOR works with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and the City of Edmonton to ensure all safety and regulatory requirements are met before connecting a micro-generator (small-scale energy system that produces electricity, often using renewable resources like solar panels or wind turbines) to the grid. If you're planning to generate your own electricity, there are a number of steps that need to be taken that we’ve outlined below.

Start by reviewing:

Once you understand the regulatory and permitting requirements, here's what you do next:

1. Design/plan your system

Determine and design the size and type of microgeneration system you wish to install.

For micro-generation projects 20kW or larger, or any micro-genertaion system on the network, email us at distgen@epcor.com before starting your design, as we can help identify any special requirements for these larger micro-generation systems.

In conjunction with the City of Edmonton design drawing requirements, we require that your design drawings include all of the following:

Module brand, model, certification mark, quantity, combined STC output, and location.
Service entrance information (line phase, voltage, wire service provider).
All bonding and grounding conductors, and system grounding electrodes.
All sub and main panel bus bar ratings and feeder breaker sizes.
DC and AC disconnect locations on site.
Minimum conductor size and length.
Inverter brand, model, certification mark, quantity, individual and combined output rating (current voltage, voltage, and power), and their locations.
Combiner box details, with fuse ratings where applicable.
Solar array DC circuit rating per module for micro-inverters or DC Optimizers, or combined string ratings, at Standard Testing Conditions: Voltage Open Circuit, Max Power Voltage, Max Power Current, Show number of modules per string.

All existing and proposed structures.
Distances from existing and proposed structures to property lines.
The proposed microgeneration system dimensions (e.g. solar panels) in relation to any existing and proposed structures.
The location of the meter socket

Stamped by the manufacturer's engineer or showing CSA approval.

2. Obtain your permits

Apply for all applicable permits from the City of Edmonton, including the electrical permit (and building permit, as applicable), required as part of the AUC application process. Note: You're responsible for all civil work on your property, including obtaining required permits, approvals, and underground utility locates.

For information on the necessary permits for your project, contact the City of Edmonton's Sustainable Development Department or call 311.

3. Complete EPCOR's application form and include all required documents

Fill out the micro-generation form and include the following information with your application:

A copy of the City of Edmonton electrical permit issued and may include a copy of the building permit issued for site construction.
Diagrams and drawings outlined in Step 1
Third Party Consent Form (if a contractor/consultant is acting on behalf of the customer).

Incomplete applications and supporting documents will be returned for correction and resubmission.

To add to or modify your micro-generator application, provide us with an updated application and completed package. Once you receive approval from us, you can make the modifications or upgrades.

Find your Site ID

Your Site ID is indicated on your utility bill or on the UtilityNet Site Catalog. Also, use your Site ID to find the wires owner for your area.

4. Application review and acceptance

We'll review your application to ensure it complies with our standards and the AUC Guidelines.

Upon review and acceptance, we'll create an interconnection agreement that allows you to add energy back onto the electricity grid, associated with this connection. Expect to receive your interconnection agreement within 14 days of sending your completed application form to us.

The interconnection agreement will be sent through our approved e-signature process to the Customer email address provided in the Form A. Once signed and returned, you can begin construction and installation of your system.

5. Arrange for final inspections

Before you connect your system, ensure the interconnection agreement is signed and all equipment and infrastructure is inspected. Contact the City to make arrangements for your final inspection.

Note: Effective March 6, 2023, your fully counter-signed interconnection agreement must be shown to your inspector during final inspection.

6. Commissioning of your connection

Once everything has passed inspection, a copy of your passed electrical inspection report will be provided to EPCOR.
Once received (along with the signed interconnection agreement), we’ll begin commissioning your site and provide these documents to the Alberta Electric Systems Operator (AESO), as per the AUC Guidelines.
Once commissioned, you’ll receive an email confirmation and your chosen retailer will begin to receive your microgeneration meter readings starting on the date your electrical permit was passed.
Confirm your microgeneration status with your retailer who can ensure you receive credit for supplying energy back to the grid.

At this point, you will begin to see the financial benefits of micro-generation.

Contact your retailer if your site was commissioned and you have any questions about when credits will be applied to your bill.

For any further questions, contact us at distgen@epcor.com

Note: At times, we may experience an increased number of applications that may delay the commissioning of your site. Should this occur, your energy retailer will continue to receive the meter readings for your site and any excess generation from the date your solar electrical permit was passed.