Micro-generation
Micro-generation is the small-scale production of electricity, using renewable or alternative energy sources, by homeowners, farmers and small businesses to meet their electricity needs.
To qualify as a micro generator you must:
- Only use renewable or alternative energy sources to produce electricity. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) requires that you use renewable, environmentally friendly energy sources such as fuel cells, solar panels, geothermal, biomass, wind or hydro.
- Produce energy intended to meet all or a portion of your energy needs.* (If you plan to generate electricity to earn revenue you are considered a commercial generator.)
- Have generation capacity that does not exceed five (5) megawatts.
- Supply energy only to a site that you own/lease.
- Install the micro-generation unit on the site the energy is consumed or on a property you own/lease adjacent to the micro-generation site.
*Excess energy that micro-generators produce and don’t use is sent to the electrical power grid for other customers to use. The micro-generator receives credits for the excess electricity sent to the electrical power grid. Delivery charges are still charged to sites generating electricity when electricity from outside sources is consumed at the site, but the delivery charges are only billed for the electricity from outside sources and not the electricity generated and consumed at the site.
How do I become a Micro-Generator?
Contact the Battle River Power Coop, your distribution service provider to inform us that you plan to install a micro-generation system and complete the Micro-generation Submission Notice.
Review the AUC MicrogenerationNoticeSubmissionGuidelines to ensure the project meets the requirements. (For your convenience the following documents are also provided for download: AUC Rule024 Micro Gen and Micro Generation Regulation
Notify your electricity retailer and provide information they require for compensation and billing.
Members are encouraged to research their options carefully as micro-generation systems can vary widely in expense and energy produced.