Applicability of policy

This policy applies in respect of internal combustion engine generator sets used for non-emergency electricity generation. Some scenarios include:

  • generator set owners/operators wishing to participate either directly or through an “aggregator” in the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA) Demand Response III (DR3) program or other similar programs;
  • individual facilities using on-site generator sets to undertake “peak shaving” or “peak clipping” electricity generation (peak shaving/clipping is defined as the use of on-site generation on a periodic basis during periods of high electricity system demand to either reduce electricity costs to the end user or to generate electricity to sell back to the grid); and
  • customer based generation, or distributed generation where facilities choose to install a generator set on-site to meet all or a portion of their electricity consumption needs, rather than take electricity from the grid.

The policy does not apply to:

  • facilities in off-grid communities, or facilities where access to the grid is not available; and
  • facilities/operations that are exempt from Certificate of Approvals (Air) under O. Reg. 524/98 "Certificate of Approval Exemptions — Air". It should be noted, however, that if generator sets used by construction operations were to be used for demand response programs such as the OPA’s Demand Response 3 (DR3) program, this would require a Certificate of Approval, and in that case, the requirements in this policy would apply. In the case of generators used in municipal drinking water systems, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) will take a case-by-case approach to determine the appropriate legislation under which to apply the policy.

Emission limits

The policy requires that the following emission limits be considered by the Director when issuing a Certificate of Approval (Air) for internal combustion engine generator sets used for non-emergency use:

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) limits (expressed as nitrogen dioxide equivalent)

1.0 kg/MWh (2007 – 2010)
0.40 kg/MWh (2011 onward)

Particulate matter (PM) limits

0.2 kg/MWh (2007 – 2010)
0.02 kg/MWh (2011 onward)

Total hydrocarbons excluding methane (NMHC) limits

1.3 kg/MWh (2007 – 2010)
0.19 kg/MWh (2011 onward)

Carbon monoxide (CO) limits

3.5 kg/MWh (2007 onward)

These limits will apply during normal operating conditions, and not during start-up.

SO2 limit

Ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD): 15 parts per million (2007 onward). Note that where other fuels are used, maximum allowable equivalent sulphur emission levels will be required. If a proponent chooses to use a fuel with higher sulphur content, then it could choose to implement controls to reduce the sulphur compound (e.g., SO2) emissions so that the performance would be equivalent to the use of ULSD. It will be the responsibility of the proponent to demonstrate the use of higher sulphur fuels with controls will be equivalent in performance.

Air emission standards

In addition to the proposed emission limits, the potential participants must demonstrate compliance with the MOECC air standards as specified in O. Reg. 419, as amended.

Ontario regulation 419 air standards (notes 1,2) for nitrogen oxides:

CAS number 10102-44-0

Schedule 1 standard with half hour averaging time (μg/m3): 500 (Health)

Schedule 2 standard with half hour averaging time (μg/m3): 500 (Health)

Schedule 3 standards with variable averaging times:

  • 24 hour standard (μg/m3): 200 (Health)
  • other time period (μg/m3; time period): 400 (Health); 1 hour

Note 1: The limiting effects for the O. Reg. 419 air standards are identified in brackets beside the respective limits.

Note 2: O. Reg. 419 air standards to be used with the approved models listed in section 6 of O. Reg. 419. For further information on how to use these models see, the Air Dispersion Modelling Guideline for Ontario and the Procedure for Preparing an Emission Summary and Dispersion Modelling Report. For more information on applicability dates and phase-in dates for Schedules 1, 2 and 3 see sections 18, 19 and 20 of O. Reg. 419.

Smog day restrictions

The Ministry will not impose smog day restrictions for generator sets that are captured by this policy unless the site-specific circumstances warrant. An example of a site-specific condition that could warrant the use of a smog day restriction is a generator set that is located on a property that Ontario Regulation 419/05 (Local Air Quality) identifies as a sensitive receptor. This includes child care facilities, health care facilities, senior citizens’ residences or long-term care facilities, or educational facilities.

Limits for 2011

The policy sets out emission limit requirements that become more stringent in 2011. All Certificates of Approval (Air) issued for generators where this policy applies will expire on January 1, 2011, unless the approval is for the more stringent 2011 limits. Proponents will need to re-apply for the Certificate of Approval (Air) if they are to continue the operation of the existing generator sets after this date. The Ministry will apply the applicable emission limit requirements at the time of the application.

Method of implementation

Subject to the signing Director’s discretion, the emission limits and operating conditions set out in this policy will be implemented through conditions set out in Certificates of Approval (Air).

Monitoring and verification

Requirements for monitoring and verification will include operators being requiring to provide information on emissions in the form of emission guarantees followed by compliance verification through on-site testing.