Types of Customer Owned Generation
Stand-by Generation
Type 0 (Open Transition Switching)
Definition
Type 0 generation is typically associated with Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) backup generators and is connected to the internal home or business wiring system. It is known as “no paralleling” or “break-before-make” meaning that the connection with Manitoba Hydro is broken before electricity is received from the customer owned generator. This is done with a manual switch on the generator.
Process
- Canadian Standards Association approved transfer switch required.
- Inspection by a Manitoba Hydro electrical inspector prior to being energized.
Type 1 (Momentary Closed Transition Switching)
Definition
Due to cost, this type of generation is usually used commercially and can be for generation of any size. A type 1 generator is interconnected to the Manitoba Hydro grid with momentary closed transition switching. This means that power between the generator and Manitoba Hydro briefly parallels or runs simultaneously (for 100 milliseconds or less). A connection with the customer owned generator is made before contact is broken with Manitoba Hydro, known as “make-before-break”. This is so that there is no interruption to the load (power) during this transfer. It is usually to avoid nuisance outages associated with monthly testing of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) backup generators.
Process
- Generation owner must meet the technical requirements outlined 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.
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.
