What's new newsletter

The OEB is introducing an enhanced approach to setting reliability performance targets for all rate-regulated electricity distributors. The new methodology will strengthen customer protection and encourage distributor performance improvement as the energy transition unfolds and customers increasingly rely on the electricity system. These enhanced performance targets will be applied to distributors’ performance scorecards when they submit rebasing applications, starting with applications filed in 2026, for determination of rates effective in 2027.

The OEB is launching a consultation to develop a policy framework to set expectations for electricity distributors regarding the development of Distribution System Operator capabilities. This is in response to the Minister of Energy and Electrification’s December 2024 Letter of Direction to the OEB.

The OEB has issued a Notice of Proposal to amend the Transmission System Code to facilitate the connection of energy storage to an electricity transmitter’s system. The proposed amendments improve the connection processes for storage customers and clarify procedures and requirements, including cost responsibilities. The OEB invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposal by February 17, 2025.

The OEB is issuing an updated version of the Distributed Energy Resources Connection Procedures (DERCP) as part of its ongoing DER Connections Review initiative. The revised DERCP aims to increase customer choice and support the energy transition by increasing the overall efficiency of DER connections. The changes to the DERCP address customer concerns, enhance access, standardize connection practices, improve clarity, and simplify processes to reduce connection costs and timelines. The new version of the DERCP will come into force on June 2, 2025.

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) announced that, after five years in the role, Chief Executive Officer Susanna Zagar will be leaving the organization following the appointment of her replacement.

As part of the implementation of the recommendations of the Modernization Review Panel from 2019, Susanna took on the newly-formulated modernized CEO role in 2020. After an initial two-year term, Susanna was re-appointed as CEO by the OEB Board of Directors. During her term, Ontario’s energy sector has undergone rapid change and Susanna’s leadership has been marked by a commitment to consumer protection, stakeholder engagement and effective regulation of the energy sector.

OEB Board Chair, Mark White, thanked Susanna for her leadership of the OEB through its modernization, COVID-19 disruption and a period of rapid energy sector change. He stated his appreciation for her commitment to meeting stakeholder demands and to a smooth transition to new leadership. In particular, Mr. White noted her many accomplishments: "Susanna took on the leadership of the OEB at a pivotal time as it implemented a new governance and regulatory structure. She nurtured a culture of dedicated public service and has been at the forefront of helping to manage a successful energy transition in Ontario. On behalf of the Board and the OEB employees, we thank Susanna for her thoughtful and engaged leadership and for her public service to the people of Ontario."

The OEB has released a copy of its September 27, 2024 report to the Minister of Energy and Electrification: “Intervenors and Regulatory Efficiency.”  Consistent with the Minister’s 2023 Letter of Direction, the OEB is working to implement the 10-point action plan it developed to further improve the OEB’s adjudicative process, reduce regulatory burden and duplication in appropriate areas, and lower costs.

The OEB has released an updated variance settlement factor that is to be used by electricity distributors to calculate a one-time credit or charge for consumers who choose to stop purchasing electricity through the Regulated Price Plan. This factor is called the "Final RPP Variance Settlement Factor" and is updated on the OEB website monthly.

The OEB is inviting written comments on a revised proposal for its Electric Vehicle Charging Rate (EVC Rate), which aims to further facilitate the integration of EV charging stations with the electricity system. Comments are due January 31, 2025.

The OEB has posted Price Comparison templates for Natural Gas Contracts for Kitchener Utilities valid from January 1, 2025.

The OEB has posted a Directive from the Minister of Energy and Electrification regarding the development of a new transmission line in Northeastern Ontario and a related Order in Council regarding the priority status of the project.