Sell it all or sell what you don't use
The Small Power Producers Program accommodates customers who wish to generate up to 100 kilowatts (kW) of electricity for the purpose of offsetting power that would otherwise be purchased from SaskPower or for selling all of the power generated to SaskPower.
At the beginning of the application process, you need to choose between one of two options:
- Sell all of the power you produce to SaskPower
- Sell the excess of what you do not use
Once you make your decision, you cannot switch within the scope of the Power Purchase Agreement.
How do I apply?
The application package for a Preliminary Interconnection Study must include the following:
- A completed Application Form and Request for Preliminary Interconnection Study
- A cheque or money order made out to SaskPower for $315.00 (including GST) to cover the cost of the Preliminary Interconnection Study (Interconnection Study)
- A map of the general location of the generation facilities
- An equipment single line diagram of all generation equipment, inverters, utility disconnect switch, panel (sub panel), main breaker connection and meter
- The specification sheets from your supplier on the generation equipment and inverters and any other non-standard equipment
This application is for the Interconnection Study in which your generation equipment is analyzed to determine what is necessary to connect to the SaskPower system. It is not necessary to have already purchased your equipment as this point as this is just a paper study. The result of the Interconnection Study will be a quote that will include the cost to connect to the SaskPower grid, the cost to exchange the meter and any commissioning costs that are applicable.
Applying for the program is the first step in the process. For complete information, see the Small Power Producers Program Process.
Costs
The small power producer is responsible for the cost of connection, commissioning and the meter installation. A quote for these costs will be provided as part of the Interconnection Study.
Loans
SaskPower offers a loan through TD Financial Services where the interest rate is subsidized by 3.5 per cent. Each small power producer can apply for this loan, to a maximum of $50,000.
Purchase rates
The 2011 program price that we will pay for electricity is 9.609¢/kWh. This 2011 price will escalate at two per cent per year thereafter. Purchase rates do not differ between eligible generation technologies. All contracts will be honoured in accordance with the pricing regime in the signed contract, even if the program is discontinued.
Electricity banking services are not provided under this policy (see our Net Metering Program if you'd like to bank electricity).
Annual rate update
Each year, SaskPower will publish a new set of rates and a new escalation rate. These new rates will only apply to those contracts signed at that particular time. The first-year rate paid under the program contract will be the lesser of that year's published rate for the Target Commercial Operation Date or the Actual Commercial Operation Date achieved.
Periodic reviews
The Small Power Producers Program is reviewed annually.
