The SGIP is comprised of structured procedures with defined "steps" and requirements in each step.
Specific details on the steps within the SGIP are available in the OATT SGIP (PDF, 1.6MB). A brief high level overview outlining interconnection customer responsibilities is provided below:
1. Interconnection Request
To initiate an interconnection request (IR), a customer must submit to BC Hydro's Interconnections Group a $15,000 application deposit (this is refundable with demonstration of site control) and:
Hard copy of the following:
- Completed IR (XLS, 2MB) form
Soft copy of the following:
- Completed IR (XLS, 2MB) form
BC Hydro will assign a date and time stamp to the IR upon receipt of the $15,000 application deposit. It is at this point that the interconnection customer enters the interconnection queue.
BC Hydro will notify the IPP within five days of receipt of the IR of any deficiencies in the request. The IPP must address these deficiencies within ten days of this notification. If these deficiencies remain unaddressed after this time, the IPP's IR is considered withdrawn.
BC Hydro will also schedule a scoping meeting within ten days of the receipt of the IR to discuss options and share information pertaining to the IR.
2. Feasibility Study
This is an optional study. If the customer wishes for BC Hydro to conduct a Feasibility Study, the customer must:
- Sign and return a Feasibility Study Agreement
- Submit a $15,000 study deposit
This study will consist of a power flow and a short circuit analysis and provide a list of facilities and a non-binding good faith estimate of cost responsibility and a non-binding good faith estimated time to construct. BC Hydro will use reasonable effort to complete this study within 45 calendar days.
3. Combined Study Agreement
To initiate the Combined Study, the IPP must within 30 days of receiving the Combined Study Agreement from BC Hydro:
- Sign and return the Combined Study Agreement
- Submit a $75,000 study deposit
The IPP may also be required to provide additional technical data and demonstrate site control.
Once signed, this agreement begins the combined study process. Although referred to as 'combined', these are two separate studies consisting of the System Impact Study and the Facility study. These studies must be completed before a Standard Generation Interconnection Agreement can be offered.
4. System Impact Study
This study will evaluate the impact of the proposed interconnection on the reliability of the transmission system. This study will consider the Base Case as well as all generating facilities and identified network upgrades that may have an impact on the IR.
The System Impact Study will consist of a short circuit analysis, a stability analysis and a power flow analysis. It will provide a list of facilities that are required to support this IR and a non-binding good faith estimate of cost responsibility by the interconnection customer and a non-binding good faith estimate of construction time.
5. Facilities Study
This study follows the System Impact Study. To proceed with this study, the IPP must provide BCTC with:
- Written notification that it would like to proceed with a Facilities Study
- A $150,000 study deposit
- All additional technical data requested by BC Hydro
The study will provide a cost estimate of the equipment, engineering, procurement and construction work needed to connect the customer to the transmission system. It will also identify the electrical switching configuration of the connection equipment; the nature and estimated cost of upgrades to the interconnection facilities and network upgrades necessary to accomplish the interconnection; and an estimate of the time required to complete the construction and installation of such facilities.
6. Standard Generator Interconnection Agreement
This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the interconnection agreement. Following the signing of an agreement, IPPs move onto construction and commissioning of their project. Once online and operating commercially, BC Hydro continues to provide support to IPPs. If you have any questions, contact BC Hydro’s Interconnections Group.
Please send forms and agreements to:
Mail:
BC Hydro
Interconnections Group
Suite 1100, Four Bentall Centre
1055 Dunsmuir Street
PO Box 49260
Vancouver, BC
V7X 1V5
Email: Interconnections