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(External link).
- 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(External link).
- For OEB's other lines of effort to ensure efficient integration of EVs with the electricity system, please visit Electric Vehicle Integration (EVI).
-
OEB receives feedback on proposed amendments
29 Jan 2024The 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:
- Building Owners and Managers Association(External link)
- Environmental Defence(External link)
- Electricity Distributors Association(External link)
- Global Automakers of Canada(External link)
- Hydro One Networks Inc.(External link)
- Kingston Hydro Corporation(External link)
- Tesla Motors Canada(External link)
- Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited(External link)
-
Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code
15 Dec 2023The 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.
-
Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code(External link)
- Appendix A - Proposed Code Amendments (included within Notice)
-
Appendix B(External link) - Electric Vehicle Charging Connection Procedure (EVCCP)
- EVCCP Appendix 1 - (included in EVCCP)
- EVCCP Appendix 2 - (included in EVCCP)
- EVCCP Appendix 3(External link) - EVPCIR/EVPCR Template Forms
- EVCCP Appendix 4 - (included in EVCCP)
- Appendix C - Cost Awards (included in Notice)
-
Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code(External link)
-
OEB Letter on System Investments for Electric Vehicle Integration
28 Aug 2023The OEB has issued a letter summarizing recent guidance and resources to help electricity distributors in planning their systems for the efficient integration of electric vehicles (EVs). The letter also informs the sector of an expansion of scope to the Distributed Energy Resources Connections Review consultation to review matters relating to system readiness for EV charger connections.
-
Residential Customer Connections & Service Upgrades Bulletin
The OEB has issued a Bulletin providing guidance to distributors regarding residential customer connections to support electric vehicle adoption and electrification. The Bulletin also reminds distributors of their obligations under the Distribution System Code (DSC) in relation to residential subdivision connections and service upgrades.
-
OEB issues letter making changes to Appendix C of the Distributed Energy Resources Connection Procedures (DERCP)
16 Jun 2023The OEB is making changes to Appendix C of the DERCP(External link) 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.
-
OEB Letter(External link)
- Attachment A (included within letter)
- Attachment B(External link)
- Attachment C(External link)
- Attachment D(External link)(External link)
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Distribution System Code(External link), DERCP(External link) or the new forms, please contact IndustryRelations@oeb.ca(External link).
-
OEB Letter(External link)
-
Updated Distribution System Code
07 Jun 2023The OEB has published an updated Distribution System Code that incorporates amendments(External link) aimed at enhancing clarity and consistency in the DER connection process. These amendments have come into effect today, June 7, 2023.
-
Amendments to the OEB's Reporting and Record-keeping Requirements(External link)
07 Mar 2023Today, 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.
-
Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code(External link)
07 Mar 2023Today, 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
-
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 has finished this stage -
January 27, 2025: Issued DERCP Version 2.0
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review is currently at this stage
Consultation Case details
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
-
January 26, 2023: Working Group meeting #1
-
April 20, 2023: Working Group meeting #2
-
May 5, 2023: Working Group meeting #3
-
August 10, 2023: Working Group meeting #4
-
November 30, 2023: Working Group meeting #5
-
May 23, 2024: Working Group meeting #6
-
October 18, 2024: Working Group meeting #7
-
March 26, 2025: Working Group meeting #8
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
-
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
-
November 28, 2024: Meeting #15
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
-
November 27, 2024: EV meeting #16