Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review

The OEB is currently reviewing issues related to DER 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 6 years a series of changes have been made to streamline the process of connecting DERs.

Starting in 2023, we launched Tranche 5 of the initiative with the focus on enabling higher DER penetration through exploring different approaches to address local capacity issues and clarifying cost responsibilities for DER connections. In 2023 and 2024, we reviewed issues related to electric vehicle (EV) charging connections such as information sharing, connection process, technical requirements and cost responsibility. In 2025, we also began development of the Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM) to improve transparency around available distribution system capacity. The CCIM will be designed to support informed planning by developers and customers, and reduce barriers to timely integration of DERs and load connections.

The OEB is currently reviewing issues related to DER 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 6 years a series of changes have been made to streamline the process of connecting DERs.

Starting in 2023, we launched Tranche 5 of the initiative with the focus on enabling higher DER penetration through exploring different approaches to address local capacity issues and clarifying cost responsibilities for DER connections. In 2023 and 2024, we reviewed issues related to electric vehicle (EV) charging connections such as information sharing, connection process, technical requirements and cost responsibility. In 2025, we also began development of the Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM) to improve transparency around available distribution system capacity. The CCIM will be designed to support informed planning by developers and customers, and reduce barriers to timely integration of DERs and load connections.

  • The OEB has launched the Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM)

    The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has launched the Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM). It is an online screening platform that gives users a high-level view of where available capacity exists on Ontario’s electricity distribution systems, providing awareness of potential load capacity and distribution energy resource hosting capacity.

    By providing consistent capacity information across the province’s distribution networks, users have actionable business intelligence that can help to drive investment and economic growth in Ontario, and help support the delivery of affordable, secure reliable and clean energy that enables economic growth across the province.

    Consumers seeking to connect to the grid can use this map to:

    • Identify areas with available grid capacity for new businesses, housing developments and infrastructure projects;
    • Compare locations to find the best; and
    • Access consistent data that helps reduce uncertainty and accelerate project timelines.

    Importantly, it aligns with the Government’s vision to deliver affordable, secure, reliable and clean energy that enables economic growth across Ontario.

  • OEB Issues Amendments to Distribution System Code and DER Connection Procedures

    Today the OEB issued a Notice of Final Amendments to the Distribution System Code, along with a letter outlining updates in version 3 of the Distributed Energy Resources Connection Procedures.

    Effective May 1, 2026, these changes aim to aim to lower barriers to DER connections, reduce costs, and improve timelines, broaden customer choice and enhance transparency, consistency and efficiency in connection processes.

    These changes will support the delivery of affordable, secure, reliable and clean energy, further enabling economic growth across the province by lowering barriers to participation and supporting smarter planning and investment, consistent with the objectives outlined in the Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan, released in June 2025

    For more information, read the OEB’s Notice and letter detailing the amendments:

    • Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code

    • OEB letter

    o Attachment A (included within the letter)

    o Attachment B: DERCP Version 3

    o Attachment C: DERCP Appendix C v.

    o Attachment D: DERCP Appendix C vii.


  • OEB receives feedback on proposed amendments

    The OEB has received the following comments on the proposed amendments to the Distribution System Code, issued on October 28, 2025, to help lower barriers to DER connections, reduce costs, and improve timelines, fairness, and consistency in connection processes in support of goals articulated in the Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan, released in June 2025.

    Electrical Safety Authority

    Electricity Distributors Association

    Elexicon Energy

    Hydro One Networks Inc.

    The Atmospheric Fund

    Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited

  • Notice of proposed amendments to the Distribution System Code

    On October 28, the OEB issued a Notice of proposed amendments to the Distribution System Code. These changes help lower barriers to DER connections, reduce costs, and improve timelines, fairness, and consistency in connection processes in support of goals articulated in the Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan, released in June 2025.

    We invite stakeholders to provide feedback to the proposal by November 19, 2025.

    Read the OEB’s Notice of proposed amendments for more information.

  • Distributed Energy Resource Hosting Capacity Data for the Centralized Capacity Information Map

    The OEB has issued a letter setting out the requirements for licensed distributors to provide standardized available distributed energy resource (DER) hosting capacity data for inclusion in the Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM). The CCIM with both DER hosting and load customer capacity information will launch in December 2025. It is expected to help customers, developers and planners identify where new generation facilities can connect and support more informed discussions with distributors about connection feasibility.

  • Distribution System Data to Enable a Centralized Capacity Information Map

    The OEB has issued a letter setting out the requirements for licensed distributors to provide standardized available system capacity information to connect new loads. Aligned with the Minister’s Integrated Energy Plan Directive, this new, province-wide screening tool responds to customers' interest in a centralized map that will help to identify where new facilities can connect and support more informed discussions with distributors about connection feasibility. The OEB's work with stakeholders will now shift to focus on defining minimum data reporting requirements that will support the ability to demonstrate where distribution systems have capacity to host new distributed energy resources.

  • OEB Reminds Distributors' Compliance of EV Charging Connection Requirements

    The OEB is reminding electricity distributors of their obligations under the Distribution System Code (DSC) regarding the connection of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Distributors are expected to finalize their Conditions of Service (CoS) updates by March 31, 2025.

  • OEB revises the Distributed Energy Resources Connection Procedures (DERCP)

    The OEB is issuing an updated version of the 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.


  • 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.

    OEB Bulletin - Providing Information on DER Connections

  • 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.

Page last updated: 29 Jan 2026, 12:02 PM