Important Deadline to Upgrade to microFIT Contract!
On October 1, 2009 the OPA finalized FIT and microFIT program rules, which disqualified many Ontarians, who had purchased renewable energy generation systems in anticipation of this program, from participating. The two barriers erected were domestic content requirements and an inability to upgrade RESOP contracts to the new FIT and microFIT rates.
This week, in response to a strong public outcry, the OPA has announced a mechanism that allows these early adopters to apply for a microFIT contract and avoid compliance with domestic content rules. This is a limited time offer with a deadline of November 30, 2009 at 11:59pm and applies to anyone who fulfills the following requirements:
- Purchased renewable energy generating equipment with a capacity of 10 kW or less before October 1, 2009 with or without a RESOP contract
- Projects must reach commercial operation by December 31, 2010
Next steps:
RESOP Generators – Micro RESOP projects 10 kW and less that were purchased or were in service by October 1, 2009 will be required to sign the "RESOP to microFIT Transition Agreement." This form will allow the OPA to terminate the RESOP contract when the microFIT contract is executed. It will be posted on the OPA website November 6th.
Non-RESOP Generators – Locate proof of equipment purchase, which must be included with your microFIT program application. Submit the full application to the OPA by the November 30 deadline. Follow the Our Power microFIT application guide to simplify this process.
Click here for complete OPA microFIT transition rules.
Ambitious Solar Targets for City of Toronto
The City of Toronto released its Sustainable Energy Strategy this week that calls for 3 MW of renewable power to be installed in the city by the end of 2010, and an average of just over 3 MW in each successive year leading up to 16 MW by 2014.
Toronto Hydro is committing significant resources to these goals and believes that distributed renewable generation will play a key role in addressing grid constraint issues in the city.
Click here for the full report