microFIT program update – OPA
Got this email from OPA:
microFIT Program Update The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has posted new program documents on the microFIT website to follow the changes to the microFIT Program announced on August 13. These documents include the microFIT eligible participant schedule that identifies which types of applicants are eligible to submit an application to the microFIT Program and the requirements for them. It also includes updated program rules, contract, a summary of the program changes and instructions to microFIT Program applicants for applications submitted before 12 p.m. on July 2, 2010. To view the new documents, please click here: http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/program-eligibility These changes will ensure that the microFIT Program is focused on its original purpose of encouraging homeowners, farmers, co-operatives and institutions such as schools to own and develop small renewable energy projects. Regards, FIT Team Ontario Power Authority 120 Adelaide Street West, Suite 1600 Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1 www.powerauthority.on.ca
Comments
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Jay says:
August 30, 2010 at 9:41 am
Are you affected by the new rules? I was reading the “microFIT Eligible Partipant Schedule” and it appears that it is only available for “Individuals” but not “Corporations”. I guess the money I spent incorporating a company for this is down the drain.
Unfortunately I’m not a farmer
Superuser says:
August 30, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Interesting. http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/pdf/Eligible_Participant_Schedule.pdf indeed lists the entities you mentioned. My offer was issued about a month ago, and I did not get any notices that it is getting revoked or anything. As far as I know, my contract offer is still valid and it is in the name of my corp. Thing is though, while it states that “individual” is a “natural person”, that is also listed on the title, other language on the microFIT site suggests that program is still open to “small businesses”. Go figure.
By the sound of your comment, I am guessing that you did not get your offer before August 25?
Jay says:
August 30, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Unfortunately no, I only got my application in last week. That’s after they had shut down the site for about a week and a half to make the changes to their application pages. You make an interesting point about it being open for “small businesses”.
I did eventually call their help line and I got a first-level response saying that the application should be fine given that my business is owned and operated by my wife and I, that we are still a valid participant that is still keeping with the spirit of the program. We’re not some huge commercial enterprise leasing land from people. Heck, the more I think about it, the farmer’s are definitely running a business / corporation from their standpoint, why shouldn’t us little people be allowed to open a small business as well! Anyhow, still crossing my fingers and hoping for a favourable review by folks who are reviewing the apps.
Superuser says:
August 31, 2010 at 6:20 am
That’s a good post. It never hurts to check with OPA, i noticed that they respond pretty quickly now (that’s a positive change from NEVER back around February – March, I can’t remember why I emailed back then but I remember not getting even an acknowledgement).
Come to think about it, when I filed my application, in the comments section I wrote a short description of what I am trying to do. I mentioned that I am considering a 4-5 kw installation on the residential property that I own together with my wife, while the project will be operated by the corporation which I also own. They did not raise any issues and approved my application in like 5 days.
Now, since then, I heart indirectly from a few accountants, that doing it as a natural person may not be such a bad idea after all. I’ll throw another post on this now, real quick. Check it on the main site when you get a chance.