Obtaining an Assessment

Before you get started

Applicants must establish a detailed project design before beginning the Connection Assessment and Approval (CAA) process. The IESO recommends that you consult with the applicable transmitter or distributor to seek advice regarding the preferred point of connection. This is especially important in situations where:

system constraints may influence the connection, or
new equipment is required to be installed within transmitter or distributor-owned facilites,

If you are a renewable energy project applying for the OPA Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program, you must have an executed contract prior to beginning the IESO's CAA process.

information on the OPA's FIT program is available here
information on the IESO's connections requirements under the FIT program is available here

Starting the Assessment Process

A System Impact Assessment (SIA) is a mandatory assessment conducted by the IESO to assess the impact of the connection proposal on the reliability of the integrated power system. SIAs are conducted with input from the affected transmitter(s) and in consultation with the connection applicant. The steps required in completing the SIA process are outlined here.

Expedited System Impact Assessments

An expedited SIA, which does not require a formal study, is conducted when the connection proposal does not represent a major system change and is not expected to have a major impact on the reliability of the integrated power system. The IESO determines whether an SIA or expedited SIA is appropriate. The steps required in completing the expedited SIA are outlined here.

Guidelines for determining if an expedited SIA is appropriate are found in Section 9.2 of Market Manual 2.10.

Feasibility Studies

Proponents may request an optional Feasibility Study in order to determine the technical acceptability of a new or modified connection to the IESO-controlled grid and to identify alternate connection options. The steps required in completing the feasibility study process are outlined here.

Use of Consultants

Connection applicants may wish to engage a consultant to perform connection assessment or feasibility studies. Further details are outlined here.


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