Types of Customer Owned Generation
Independent Power Producer
Type 4 (Export to Grid)
Definition
Produces energy for the purpose of exporting electricity to sell to Manitoba Hydro. It is a very costly venture. Type 4 generation is for stand alone independent power production operated up to 10 MW and on the 25 kV or smaller distribution system.
Generators producing 10 MW or less on the distribution system may be limited depending on where the generator is located. Although there may be a distribution line in close proximity to the proposed generator installation, that does not automatically mean 10 MW of generation can be connected. In most cases it is not possible due to the potential impact on the existing distribution customers and the transmission system. Factors such as system fault levels, conductor ampacity limits, protection schemes and feeder loads all influence the maximum generation size.
Process
- Facility must meet the technical requirements in Manitoba Hydro’s Distributed Resource Interconnection Guideline document, DRG2003.
- Comply with interconnection study fees and interconnection and operating agreements associated with Manitoba Hydro’s Distributed Resource Interconnection Procedures.
- Generators must sign a Power Purchase Agreement with Manitoba Hydro. This agreement will be supplied to customer by Manitoba Hydro at a later date.
Note of caution: Manitoba Hydro’s experience shows that smaller power projects can be costly to set up and operate. Customers are encouraged to evaluate the amount of energy you expect to produce and the economics of the project to determine your overall cost of electricity.
