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.comopens in a new tab 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:

Single line diagram
Site plan/real property report
Drawings of the microgeneration system

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 Departmentopens in a new tab 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 Formopens in a new tab (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 agreementopens in a new tab 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 arrangementsopens in a new tab 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

  1. Once everything has passed inspection, a copy of your passed electrical inspection report will be provided to EPCOR.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.comopens in a new tab

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.

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