DER Connections Review Working Group (Including EV Charging Connections)

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

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.

• Notice

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.

• OEB Letter on Distributed Energy Resource Hosting Capacity Data

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 Letter on Centralized Capacity Information Map

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 Letter on Distributors' Compliance of EV Charging Connection Requirements

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 Letter
  • Attachment A (included within letter)

• DERCP Version 2.0

• DERCP - Appendix C PCIR and PCR - Version 2.1

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

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.

• OEB Letter on Distribution System Capacity Information Map

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:

• Survey Summary – Distribution System Capacity Information Sharing