The Minister’s Directive to the OEB to establish a Demand Side Management (DSM) policy framework included a Mid-Term Review to align with the Mid-Term Review of the Conservation First Framework. The OEB’s 2015-2020 DSM Decision on Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.’s (Enbridge) and Union Gas Limited’s (Union) 2015-2020 DSM Plan applications indicated that the Mid-Term Review would assess performance on annual metrics, budget levels, impact on customer rates, and shareholder incentives, as well as allow the OEB to consider the DSM Framework relative to the overall energy conservation landscape. The OEB also outlined a number of studies and reports that Union and Enbridge would be required to submit as part of the Mid-Term Review.
The OEB completed its Mid-Term Review of the 2015-2020 DSM Framework on November 29, 2018. The OEB’s DSM Mid-Term Review Report focused on making only certain necessary updates to the DSM Framework and the natural gas utilities’ DSM plans at this time. The updates help ensure that the natural gas utilities can continue to provide natural gas conservation and energy efficiency opportunities to Ontario customers.
The Mid-Term Review included the OEB’s assessment of a number of studies and reports submitted by the natural gas utilities in response to requirements from the OEB’s 2015-2020 DSM Decision, a Stakeholder Conference, and consideration of various proposals and requests submitted by the natural gas utilities and other interested stakeholders.