In April 2013, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne toured an AGRIS Solar 10kW solar panel installation near Chatam, Ontario before addressing AGRIS Solar Co-operative’s Annual General Meeting, reaffirming her Government’s support for renewable energy in the Province of Ontario.
Vern Crinklaw, a proud AGRIS Solar Co-operative member, talks about doing his part to help green Ontario’s energy future. Vern’s 10 kWh microFiT system is not only generating clean energy but also creating new jobs and opportunities for Ontarians.
Dear Members
This Member update is solely to update our Members with the current status of the production of the solar gardens. Since our last update on July 1st, a few Members have called for a clearer understanding of the process involved with getting the solar gardens connected to the system.
As previously mentioned the pre mobilization site specific work has been completed. This includes all the following:
As described before, these are 7 ½ acre, 500 kW power plants. The energy generated from just one (we are 10) of the gardens has a crucial impact on the daily mix the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) need to deal with in conjunction with the nuclear, wind, hydro and other power producing sources across Ontario. As such, this process is very different from connecting one unit constructed behind the barn to the closest transformer or meter. We are now connecting to the high power distribution lines feeding transformer stations across Ontario.
The most critical factor to determining when the project will be connected is the project’sIn Service Date. The In Service Date is a date supplied by Hydro One based on their ability to connect projects to the grid. The process begins with a “kick-off” meeting at which the technical specifications and local resources are assessed to determine the timeline for connection. At the kick-off meeting a tentative date is set. Hydro One then follows up and sets an official In Service Date. To date, we have had 6 of our 10 required “kick-off” meeting with Hydro One to determine the timing for connection of the projects we have currently tentative received 6 of our 10 dates. We estimate that 6 dates will be confirmed for this year.
With this in mind we have started construction on the 8 Timiskaming, Ontario sites now and will begin construction of the 2 Picton sites by the end of the month. Keeping in mind we do not have official In Service Dates we will only continue to construct to a point until it is more prudent to stop and wait for the In Service Dates. The construction process to date has been very smooth, although we have had a few municipal issues it is nice to report that it has been full speed ahead. As mentioned above these are small 500kW power plants and are required to have the local municipally and community embrace these projects. We are very happy to report that the locals are extremely pleased with our development plans and we have completed the process of obtaining 911’s for all the properties and access roads have been approved and built.
Although all the sites are at various stages of completion stages that have been completed are:
Over the next 30-45 days the following will be completed:
Our goal is to get as many of the task completed without any risk to the Co-op if the tentative dates of connection are moved out by Hydro One. We are not expecting delays but and the same time we will always proceed with minimal risks.
We are working on setting up a place on the website that will provide pictures and updates through the process. Please stay tuned.
As you know the process has been long and in the past it always felt like with every two steps forward the next day was one step back. It is very gratifying that daily we are taking one step forward with a finish line clearly in sight.
Just another reminder, we are changing to direct deposit in 2015 (December 31, 2014 cheques). If you have not sent a VOID cheque in to the address below, please do so. If we do not receive your VOID cheque we will assume the current mail option is your preference.
As always we appreciate the calls or emails from Members when you notice issues with the units, please keep sending them into Jackie Flynn at Jackief@sparksolar.ca or call 1-877-247-4701.
Please call or email with any questions.
Thank you,
AGRIS Solar Co-operative Inc.
Sean Kelly
Director Member Services, Government Relations
Spark Solar
1315 North Service Road East, Suite 300
Oakville, Ontario L6H 1A7
Tel: (905)829-3336 x141
Mobile: (416)919-1890
Email: seank@sparksolar.ca