August 29, 2019
Federal and Nova Scotia Governments Partner to Provide More Clean Electricity
The Federal Government and the Province of Nova Scotia are working together to add cleaner, renewable electricity in the province to power federal facilities. This agreement, signed August 1, 2019, will help the federal government reach its goal of using 100 percent clean electricity in all federally-owned facilities by 2025.
 
The province will lead an open, transparent and fair process to build new renewable energy projects. The electricity generated will be purchased by the Government of Canada at a fair price to meet its energy needs. It is estimated that the projects will need to generate about 100,000-megawatt-hours of new renewable electricity. Stay tuned for more details as CanSIA works with the provincial and federal governments on this important initiative. For additional information click here .
Please read on for further updates from the CanSIA Team. 

Policy & Market Development: 
Policy & Market Development
A combined P.E.I./Federal Government program to provide financial assistance for homes, farms and businesses to install solar PV is now available. The program provides rebates up to 40 percent of the cost of installing solar panels, up to $10,000. The provincial and federal governments have set aside $2 million for the program, each contributing 50 percent of the funding. The program is being administered by Efficiency PEI. The province is also making financing available through Finance PEI who will offer a 15-year, five percent loan to help offset the cost of installation. The program will result in reduced GHG emissions by over 500 tonnes annually. For more information click here .
CanSIA made a submission with respect to the new Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system and the first round of consultations . The TIER system would require large emitters to meet prescribed emissions intensity levels by reducing emissions, using credits or offsets, or paying into a TIER fund. CanSIA is coordinating participation in this process through the Alberta Solar Market Development strategic project, with the submission focusing on ensuring value of renewable supply is preserved.
The CanSIA Alberta MicroGen Member Caucus and Network, chaired by Geoff Domenico of KPC Energy, held its second meeting on August 8, 2019. During the call, members focused on a discussion with respect to a "revenue neutral" program that would align with the proposed TIER system. Any CanSIA Members that are interested in participating still can sign up here  .
In August, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) published final High-Level Design documents for the energy workstream of Market Renewal Program (MRP), consisting of implementation of locational marginal pricing, a day-ahead market and enhanced real-time unit commitment. The IESO also published information with respect to the Detailed Design Phase and continued efforts with respect to the MRP Business Case . In addition, the IESO launched a new engagement for the Capacity Auction (formally referred to as the Transitional Capacity Auction ).
On August 27, 2019, the Canadian Council on Renewable Electricity (CanCORE), of which CanSIA is a member of, made a submission to the Federal Government regarding the Federal Clean Fuel Standard. CanCORE continues to advocate that the Federal Government: commit to a 100% non- emitting electricity grid; and create a strategy for electricity to become the single largest energy source in Canada by 2050. Please click here to read the CanCORE letter.
Utilities & Regulatory Affairs
On August 13, 2019, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) announced that it will be commencing a new initiative to review connections standards for DERs trying to connect to the distribution networks (EB-2019-0207). The DER Connection Review will focus on identifying barriers and standardizing and improving the connections process for generation and storage facilities trying to connect to the distribution networks whether behind or in front of the meter. Specifically, this initiative will address connection process timelines, connection cost responsibility, and technical connection requirements.
 
Furthermore, CanSIA has registered to present at the upcoming stakeholder engagement meeting (September 17th and 18th) hosted by the OEB with respect to Utility Remuneration and Responding to Distributed Energy Resources (EB-2018-0287 and EB-2018-0288, respectively). The stakeholder meeting will focus on foundational questions, including: objectives should the Utility Remuneration and Responding to DERs initiatives; specific problems or issues should each initiative address; and principles should guide the development and selection of policy options. CanSIA is coordinating participation in this process through the NEXUS strategic project.
On July 31, 2019, CanSIA made a submission to Hydro One with respect to their review of its Distributed Generation Technical Interconnection Requirements Interconnections at Voltages 50 kV and Below, Rev3 (TIR) document. The feedback focused on requirements appropriate to the use, size and type of DER, technical conference for information sharing and setting priorities, and specific recommendations for improvements to the TIR. CanSIA coordinated the development of this submission through the NEXUS strategic project.
The Community Generation Working Group (CGWG), consisting of CanSIA, First Nations Power Authority and the Alberta Community & Co-operative Association, continue to collaborate with respect to Module One of the Alberta Utilities Commission's (AUC) Distribution System Inquiry (Proceeding 24116). Information requests were received from a range of parties (including distribution facility operators, the AUC, and consumer advocates) and responses were due on August 28, 2019. Module One of the proceeding will conclude with a technical conference at Red Deer College on September 10 to 12, 2019.

CanSIA made a submission to the AUC with respect to stakeholder engagement on Rule 007, Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations and Hydro Developments. Specifically, CanSIA's submission focused on the AUC's requirement for solar glint and glare assessments. CanSIA is coordinating participation in this process through the Alberta Solar Market Development strategic project.
 CanSIA News Update
WEICan releases RFP for proposed 100 kW solar PV system and 200 kWh battery storage system datRFP
The Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICAN) recently released a RFP to supplement their existing facilities with 100 kW of  solar PV and 200 kWh of battery  storage.

The link to the RPF release is here and the form to request a copy of the RFP is here. The RFP response deadline is September 20, 2019. 
CanSIA Hiring Directory of Policy and Regulatory Affairswehiring
CanSIA has begun the hiring process for a new Directory of Policy and Regulatory Affairs. This role will be responsible for working to advance the growth of the solar energy and energy storage markets across Canada consistent with CanSIA's strategic objectives. 

To view the full job description, click here. If you or anyone you know might be the right fit for this position, please email your CV and a short 300-400 word essay describing why Canada should seek to capitalize on its solar energy and energy storage opportunity and the actions that need to be taken to do so, to info@cansia.ca.
Getting Involved

Members at the Corporate 1, Corporate 2, and Supporter 1 levels are eligible to become Influencers by funding and participating in Strategic Projects. Influencers receive a number of exclusive benefits that are not available through traditional membership and, above all else, access information that can be applied to strategic business planning.

Contact Julie Mair, Membership and Business Development Manager, to learn more about how your company can participate in CanSIA's Strategic Projects.