The following outlines the process if you want to connect a Micro-generation unit to our distribution system. Micro-generating units are sized to offset all, or a portion of your total energy consumption and is less than 5 MW. Albertans that want to generate electricity to earn revenue, and not for their own use, are considered commercial generators and do not meet the requirements to be a micro-generator. 

If you are interested in solar or other technologies that qualify as micro-generation please follow the steps below. Visit the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) website for more information.

 The Application Process

1. A City of Red Deer Micro-gen application must be filled out by you or your representative and submitted to the Electric Light & Power Department.

• All information must be included on the application, including Site ID, consultant information, generation size, etc. 
• A single line drawing of the equipment must be included as well as a site plan for the installation, a manual for the panels and inverters, and the certificate of compliance for the inverters.
• An electrical distribution engineer at The City of Red Deer will then process the application. 
• To have an application sent to you, email microgeneration@reddeer.ca or print off the Micro-generation Application - Form A (pdf) .

2. If the application meets all requirements, including mandatory hardware requirements on voltage and frequency ride-through criteria for installation, we will produce an Interconnection Agreement - Effective 2023 (pdf) . A copy of this agreement will be sent to you or your representative to be signed. Once signed, the agreement can be sent by email to (microgeneration@reddeer.ca) or by standard mail to:

City of Red Deer
Attn: Electric Light & Power Department
Box 5008
Red Deer, AB  T4N 3T4

3. Once the agreement is signed by the EL&P Manager, a letter is provided to you or your representative so you can apply for a solar permit at Inspections and Licensing.

What else should I know?

• Once the installation is complete you must book the final inspection(s) through Inspections and Licensing (403-342-8190). Please note: Electric Light & Power must be provided at least two business days in advance of the final inspection so we can send the application to the AUC for final documentation.
• After the final inspection has been passed, you must send a copy of the inspection(s) to the Electric Light & Power Department. A service order will be put into the system for a meter exchange and an appointment will be booked for the new meter install. Once installed, the new bi-directional meter will start measuring the exported electricity. You are responsible for contacting your retailer to arrange for electricity compensation.
• Any unused or surplus power generated and sent to the distribution system will be reflected on your power bill in the form of a credit. For small Micro-generation (less than 150 kW), you will receive a credit for any electric energy supplied back to the grid at your retailer’s energy rate. For large Micro-generation (greater or equal to 150 kW but not exceeding 5 MW), you receive a credit for any electric energy supplied back to the grid at the hourly pool price.
• For generation applications outside of this scope, an alternate process must be followed as outlined by the AUC. Details on the AUC process can be found on the AUC website.
• Effective January 01, 2025 inverters being used for all Micro-generation projects will need to comply with the CSA C22.2.No.107.1 and UL 1741 SB standard. Please include the certificate of compliance in your application documentation.