September 14, 2010

A microFIT Program advisory panel has been established to ensure an efficient and sustainable microFIT Program, improve communication and increase transparency. A similar panel is under development for the FIT Program.

Goals

The goals of the advisory panel are to:

• identify ongoing and emerging microFIT Program issues
• identify opportunities for improved two-way communication and communication processes
• provide advice on the future of the program, including the two-year review process
• identify ways to make the program more efficient, effective and sustainable
• help strike an appropriate balance between the interests of ratepayers and developers.

Membership

The panel is composed of the following members:

OPA (co-chair )
Ministry of Energy (co-chair)
Agri-Energy Producers of Ontario (APAO)
Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA)
Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)
Chatham-Kent Hydro
Community Power Fund (CPF)
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
Electricity Distributors Association (EDA)
Environmental Defence
First Nations Energy Alliance
Hydro One
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC)
Ontario Co-op Association
Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)
Ontario Solar Network
Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA)
Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA)
Powerstream
York University professor  

Advisory Panel Recommendations

The advisory panel will make recommendations on a number of program policy and implementation matters. Priority items to be addressed by the panel on an expedited basis may include: 

• the definition of a commercial aggregator
• procurement approach for micro-generation with commercial aggregators
  • application, contracting and administration options
  • specific terms, conditions and prices    
• the definitions of rooftop facility and existing building.

The projected timeline for the completion of these high-priority items is the end of September 2010.

Click here to view the terms of reference.