The Government of Alberta’s Micro-Generation Regulation allows Albertans to generate their own environmentally-friendly electricity to power their home, farm or business. Micro-generation customers remain connected to the distribution system (grid), so they can obtain electrical power when needed from the grid and also receive credit from their retailer for any excess power they send into the grid. The intent of the regulation is for the generator to be sized no larger than the electrical requirement, as stated in the regulation: “generator to meet all or a portion of the customer’s electrical needs”.
Micro-generation generating units must use a renewable or alternative fuel sources such as solar panels, small-scale hydro, wind, biomass, micro-cogeneration and fuel cells. The Regulation was changed to increase the generating capacity from 1 Megawatt (1MW) to five Megawatts (5MW), also allowing MG proponents to aggregate sites in order to install larger capacity generation, and having their connection costs paid for by the distribution utility
Incentives for Solar
EQUS has incentives and financing options available for members who become solar PV micro-generators.
Interested in generating your own electricity?
The Alberta Utility Commission (AUC) oversees the implementation of Micro-Generation Regulation. They have developed processes to simplify approvals and interconnection agreements.
- Review the Alberta Utility Commission (AUC) Micro-Generator Application Guideline. It provides a step-by-step summary of the application process and helps customers understand safety, equipment, installations and legal matters.
- Complete the EQUS Micro-Generation Application and submit it to your Area Office.
Questions about generating your own electricity?
- Visit the AUC website for full details on micro-generation.
- Review EQUS’ frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to micro-generation as an EQUS member-owner.
Third-Party Consent
Members are free to purchase electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit http://www.ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310.4822 (toll free in Alberta).