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 issues letter making changes to Appendix C of the Distributed Energy Resources Connection Procedures (DERCP)
The OEB is making changes to Appendix C of the DERCP as part of its ongoing DER Connections Review initiative. These changes will come into effect on September 18, 2023. The new information in the Appendix C will offer customers, who consider applying to connect a DER to a distribution system (i.e., applicants), valuable insights into potential connection complexities and risks related to available capacity, project costs and timelines. This additional information will enable customers to make more informed decisions before proceeding with formal connection requests.
For further details, see the OEB letter along with the new template forms and examples below.
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OEB Letter
- Attachment A (included within letter)
- Attachment B
- Attachment C
- Attachment D
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Distribution System Code, DERCP or the new forms, please contact IndustryRelations@oeb.ca.
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OEB Letter
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Updated Distribution System Code
The OEB has published an updated Distribution System Code that incorporates amendments aimed at enhancing clarity and consistency in the DER connection process. These amendments have come into effect today, June 7, 2023.
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Amendments to the OEB's Reporting and Record-keeping Requirements
Today, the OEB is making changes to the Reporting and Record-keeping Requirements (RRR) for electricity distributors as part of its ongoing DER Connections Review initiative. These RRR amendments will provide insight into the progress of Ontario’s energy transition.
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Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code
Today, the OEB has issued the final Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code regarding the connection of DERs to local electricity distribution systems. The amendments are intended to provide further clarity and consistency in the process for connecting DERs. These amendments come into force on June 7, 2023.
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 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 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
We're listening
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Email Cathy.Nguyen@oeb.ca -
Email Steven.Liu@oeb.ca