Implementation Update - May 28, 2025

The OEB is advancing the implementation of another of the Plan’s 10 initiatives, specifically Item 4 - Exploring options to minimize duplication in interrogatories. The OEB will pilot the use of technology and process changes to increase collaboration and reduce duplication, and the overall number of interrogatories (IRs) submitted from parties.

The OEB will select two test cases from among the 2026 Electricity Distributor less than $500 million revenue requirement Cost of Service applications. The test cases are still to be determined, however, the OEB intends to select medium-sized proceedings with three to five intervenors each. Once selected, two different approaches will be taken.

Approach 1: OEB staff will independently file one set of IRs and intervenors will jointly file a second set of IRs. Both sets of IRs will be filed on the same due date.

Approach 2: OEB staff will share its IRs with intervenors five calendar days in advance of the IR filing due date. This will give intervenors an opportunity to review the OEB staff IRs and add any additional IRs accordingly. One set of IRs will be filed on the due date.

For both approaches, parties will prepare the IRs in Word and collaborate using SharePoint. The IRs will be filed as a PDF that will be placed on the public record, in accordance with current practices. Further instructions will be provided to the intervenors of each test case at a later date.

The OEB will meet separately with intervenors and the applicant at the conclusion of the proceeding to gather their feedback.

Intervenors will continue the current practice of filing separate submissions.

Intervenors will have an opportunity at the cost award stage to explain how they individually contributed value in the proceeding, including at the IR stage.

The OEB may conduct a second pilot involving larger sized proceedings with more intervenors, depending on the results of the first pilot. More information will be provided as it becomes available.