The Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Natural Resources have established a new renewable energy approvals process as part of the implementation of the Green Energy Act. In general, micro-generators are exempt from the renewable energy approval process; however, there are some exceptions for certain wind projects. Please click here for more information.

The Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources have developed the requirements for a new permit called the renewable energy approval and are also responsible for granting this approval. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Renewable Energy Facilitation Office (REFO) to find out more about the requirements and application processes.

There may be local permits or approvals required for FIT and microFIT Program projects. You should contact your local municipality and conservation authority for information about local permits or approvals they might require, including any building permits or other approvals

No, the renewable energy approval will be required after the contract has been awarded. It is a requirement for receiving a notice to proceed. However, you are encouraged to begin consultation and impact studies early on in your project development in order to have all the required material prepared as soon as you get your contract.

No, this is not a requirement. However, the OPA has the right to request one if necessary.

Yes. Ontario has directed the OPA that there is to be no ground-mounted solar procurement above 100 kilowatts on Classes 1 and 2 or "Specialty Crop Areas" to provide continued protection of such lands. Some ground-mounted solar procurement, up to 500 megawatts, will be allowed on Class 3 lands, allocated on a regional basis.

Prime agricultural land means land that has Canada Land Inventory (CLI) Classes 1, 2 and 3 soils. Ontario's prime agricultural lands are optimal for crop production and an important resource to protect for Ontarians and Canadians. More information on the soil classification system can be found at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/landuse/classify.htm.

Using the Regional Administrative Boundary Allocations (RABA) system, the province will be divided by county into 4 regions (North, East, Central and West). The 500 MW cap will then be allocated proportionally based on the amount of Class 3 soil land within each region.

The Regional Administrative Boundary Allocations (RABA) boundaries are used by various ministries and government agencies such as the Ontario Realty Corporation to divide the province into administrative regions. These boundaries generally reflect the norm in identifying different regions of the province.