Potential Problems with Meter Costs and Monthly LDC Account Fees for MicroFit Sysytems
I have a question that covers a sticky area of overlap between the OEB/OPA.
Under the OEB proposed code amendments, all generators will be required to have a separate LDC account for their generation. I am told that there will likely be a fee for this, but that it has not yet been set.
Example: 1kW MicroFIT project:
·might only generate gross revenues of about $70-75 per month,
o$10 fee eats up almost 14% of that
o$15 fee eats up more than 20%!
·this fee could easily make a project unprofitable and thereby discourage homeowners from pursuing smaller MicroFIT systems.
·Additionally, some LDCs presently charge onerous fees for simply supplying and installing the generation meter and for setting up the generation account. Toronto Hydro is one of the good guys presently charging nothing, but Hydro One for instance was charging Kingston area customers $800 to $1,200 each for the last known residential RESOP installs .
If a small MicroFIT system cost is boosted by 15% due to the meter install, then monthly revenues are offset by the LDC account fees , the system can quickly become unprofitable which violates one of the main FIT objectives of allowing a small profit on such systems.
While I realize that these issues are on OEB turf, my understanding is that it is the OPA's responsibility to offer a program that meets the objectives, so how can the OEB be encouraged to set reasonable limits on these fees so as not to kill small MicroFIT systems?
The OPA stated that they recognize the importance of this and they are being taken into account since the Ontario Government wishes to see this program succeed.