Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review
The OEB is currently reviewing issues related to DER connections and EV charging connections.
The OEB initiated a review of the requirements for the connection of DERs by licensed electricity distributors in 2019. The DER Connections Review focused on addressing any barriers to the connection of DERs, and where appropriate, how to standardize and improve the connection process. The OEB established the DER Connections Working Group made up of distributors, transmitters, DER providers and consumer groups to provide advice and recommendations. During the last 3 years a series of changes have been made to streamline the process of connecting DERs.
We are now commencing the next stage (i.e., Tranche 5) of the initiative which will focus on enabling higher DER penetration through exploring different approaches to address local capacity issues and clarifying cost responsibilities for DER connections. At this stage, we are also reviewing issues related to electric vehicle (EV) charging connections such as information sharing, connection process, technical requirements and cost responsibility.
- For work completed under the previous tranches of this consultation, please visit DER Connections Review.
- For OEB's other lines of effort to ensure efficient integration of EVs with the electricity system, please visit Electric Vehicle Integration (EVI).
The OEB is currently reviewing issues related to DER connections and EV charging connections.
The OEB initiated a review of the requirements for the connection of DERs by licensed electricity distributors in 2019. The DER Connections Review focused on addressing any barriers to the connection of DERs, and where appropriate, how to standardize and improve the connection process. The OEB established the DER Connections Working Group made up of distributors, transmitters, DER providers and consumer groups to provide advice and recommendations. During the last 3 years a series of changes have been made to streamline the process of connecting DERs.
We are now commencing the next stage (i.e., Tranche 5) of the initiative which will focus on enabling higher DER penetration through exploring different approaches to address local capacity issues and clarifying cost responsibilities for DER connections. At this stage, we are also reviewing issues related to electric vehicle (EV) charging connections such as information sharing, connection process, technical requirements and cost responsibility.
- For work completed under the previous tranches of this consultation, please visit DER Connections Review.
- For OEB's other lines of effort to ensure efficient integration of EVs with the electricity system, please visit Electric Vehicle Integration (EVI).
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OEB Bulletin - Providing Information on DER Connections
The OEB has issued a Staff Bulletin reminding licensed electricity distributors of their obligation under the Distribution System Code (DSC) to provide access to specific forms and information to facilitate connection of generation and storage facilities (DERs) to the distribution system. Access to information supports customer choice by ensuring customers understand both technical and non-technical requirements, enabling informed investment decisions.
The OEB requests that distributors take immediate steps to ensure these forms and information are posted to the websites and readily available for customers, promoting a transparent and consistent approach to DER connections across the province.
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OEB letter on Distribution System Capacity Information Map – Phase 1
The OEB has announced its phased approach to providing customers with access to electricity distribution capacity maps in response to the November 2023 Letter of Direction. In the initial phase, licensed distributors are expected to post capacity information by March 3, 2025.
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Survey Summary – Sharing System Capacity Information
On March 12, the OEB launched two surveys focused on Distribution System Capacity Information Sharing. One survey is directed at distributors, while the other targets EV charging service providers and other stakeholders. The summary of the survey results can be accessed through the link below:
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Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code
The OEB has issued the final Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code. The amendments are intended to enable electricity distributors to offer flexible hosting capacity arrangements. These amendments come into force on March 27, 2024.
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Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code
- Appendix A – Final Amendments to the Distribution System Code
- Appendix B – Final Amendments to the Distribution System Code – Comparison Version to the proposed amendments in January Notice
- Appendix C – Final Amendments to the Distribution System Code – Comparison Version to the 2023 version of the Code
- Distribution System Code (March 27, 2024 version)
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Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code
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OEB invites stakeholders to complete survey about sharing distribution system capacity information
Today, a survey has been posted about distribution system capacity information. The purpose of this survey is to gather insights from distributors, electric vehicle charging service providers and other interested stakeholders regarding the potential benefits and mechanisms for providing publicly available capacity information about the distribution system, in alignment with the Letter of Direction we received from the Minister of Energy. Your input will assist the DER Connections Review Working Group in discussions to develop an approach to distributors providing system capacity information.
Please click here to participate in the survey.
We encourage you to complete the survey by April 5, 2024. Please ensure only one survey is completed by your organization. All individual responses will be kept confidential. Aggregated data by industry sector will be provided to the DER Connections Review Working Group and may be included in any future reporting on this initiative.
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OEB receives feedback on proposed amendments
The OEB has received the following comments on the proposed amendments to the Distribution System Code to enable electricity distributors to offer flexible hosting capacity arrangements and to entirely eliminate the capacity allocation deposit requirements and references on January 29, 2024:
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Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code
The OEB has issued the final Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code regarding the connection of non-residential electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The amendments establish the requirement for licensed electricity distributors to follow a standardized and streamlined process (the EVCCP) for connecting non-residential EV charging infrastructure that requires modifications or additions to the distributor's distribution system. These amendments will come into force on May 27, 2024.
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Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code
- Appendix A – Final Amendments to the Distribution System Code
- Appendix B – Electric Vehicle Charging Connection Procedure (EVCCP) - Comparison Version to December Notice
- Appendix C – Electric Vehicle Charging Connection Procedures (EVCCP) - Clean version
- Appendix D – Summary of Stakeholder Comments on EVCCP
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Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code
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Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has issued a Notice of Proposal to amend the Distribution System Code. The amendment is intended to enable electricity distributors to offer flexible hosting capacity arrangements. We invite stakeholders to provide feedback to the proposal by February 13, 2024.
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Notice of Proposal to Amend the DSC
- Appendix A - Proposed Amendments to the DSC - Comparison Version To The Current Code (included within Notice)
- Appendix B - Proposed Amendments to the DSC - Clean Version (included within Notice)
- Appendix C - Cost Awards (included in Notice)
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Notice of Proposal to Amend the DSC
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OEB receives feedback on proposed amendments
The OEB has received the following comments on the proposed amendments to the Distribution System Code to facilitate the connection of non-residential electric vehicle charging infrastructure to a distributor's distribution system on January 19, 2024:
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Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code
The OEB has issued a Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code regarding the connection of non-residential electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. These proposed amendments are intended to create a standardized and streamlined process for connecting charging facilities that require modifications or additions to the distributor's distribution system, such as the connection of public charging facilities that service multiple EVs and fleet charging stations designed for commercial use. We invite stakeholders to provide feedback to the proposal by January 19, 2024.
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Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code
- Appendix A - Proposed Code Amendments (included within Notice)
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Appendix B - Electric Vehicle Charging Connection Procedure (EVCCP)
- EVCCP Appendix 1 - (included in EVCCP)
- EVCCP Appendix 2 - (included in EVCCP)
- EVCCP Appendix 3 - EVPCIR/EVPCR Template Forms
- EVCCP Appendix 4 - (included in EVCCP)
- Appendix C - Cost Awards (included in Notice)
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Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code
Project timeline for Tranche 5
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January 26, 2023: Launch of Tranche 5
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review has finished this stage -
June 16, 2023: Amendments to Appendix C of the DER Connection Procedures (DERCP)
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review has finished this stage -
August 24, 2023: Bulletin to provide guidance to distributors regarding residential customer connections
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review has finished this stage -
February 16, 2024: Establishment of Electric Vehicle Charging Connection Procedures (EVCCP)
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review has finished this stage -
March 27, 2024: Amendments to the DSC to enable flexible hosting capacity arrangements
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review has finished this stage -
June 24, 2024: Distribution System Capacity Information Sharing Survey Results
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review has finished this stage -
October 17, 2024: OEB letter on Distribution System Capacity Information Map – Phase 1
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review is currently at this stage
Link to Working Group Site
This site facilitates Working Group (WG) activities and can be accessed here.
DER Connections Review Working Group members
DER Connections Review Working Group meetings
DER Connections Subgroup meetings
- February 28, 2023: Meeting #1
- April 3, 2023: Meeting #2
- April 25, 2023: Meeting #3
- June 20, 2023: Meeting #4
- July 18, 2023: Meeting #5
- August 25, 2023: Meeting #6
- September 18, 2023: Meeting #7
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October 30, 2023: Meeting #8
- 1. Presentation meeting #8 (303 KB) (pdf)
- 2. Simplified CIA Requirement-draft (16.9 KB) (docx)
- 3. Simplified CIA-draft flowchart (127 KB) (docx)
- 4. Simplified CIA Considerations-draft (19.3 KB) (docx)
- 5. DER Insurance Issues (Hydro One presentation).pdf (338 KB) (pdf)
- 6. Notes meeting #8 (194 KB) (pdf)
- November 24, 2023: Meeting #9
- February 27, 2024: Meeting #10
- April 24, 2024: Meeting #11
- June 27, 2024: Meeting #12
- July 23, 2024: Meeting #13
- September 4, 2024: Meeting #14
EV Charging Connections Subgroup meetings
- EV Charging Connections Subgroup Members List (June 2023) (88.9 KB) (pdf)
- March 2, 2023: EV meeting #1
- March 30, 2023: EV meeting #2
- April 27, 2023: EV meeting #3
- May 25, 2023: EV meeting #4
- June 22, 2023: EV meeting #5
- July 27, 2023: EV meeting #6
- August 22, 2023: EV meeting #7
- September 12, 2023: SR meeting #1
- September 26, 2023: EV meeting #8
- October 16, 2023: SR meeting #2
- November 9, 2023: EV meeting #9
- November 21, 2023: EV meeting #10
- February 28, 2024: EV meeting #11
- April 25, 2024: EV meeting #12
- June 26, 2024: EV meeting #13
- August 28, 2024: EV meeting #14
- September 25, 2024: EV meeting #15
Consultation Case details
We're listening
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Email Cathy.Nguyen@oeb.ca -
Email Steven.Liu@oeb.ca