Energy Transition

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The OEB is committed to delivering public value in a changing energy sector

What is the energy transition and why does it matter?

The energy transition is a global shift away from using fossil fuels (like oil, gasoline and coal) to a more sustainable, renewable energy future that includes more innovation and customer choice. The OEB has launched an initiative mapping out what its priorities should be in response to sector feedback. We've heard a desire for the OEB to set clear expectations for utilities, for planning, for grid investment supporting electrification and for business models enabling the utility of tomorrow.

The energy transition can be thought of in relation to the "Four Ds" - decarbonization, digitalization, decentralization and democratization.


What does this mean for me?

More choice: Innovative new ways of managing and generating your own energy

More action: Contributing to net zero goals to fight climate change through your own actions

More support: Accessing programs to support conservation, electrification and decarbonization, like electric vehicle charging programs


What is the OEB's role in the energy transition?

The OEB is the independent regulator of Ontario's electricity and natural gas sectors. We are governed by the OEB Act and other statutes, and our role is to regulate electricity and natural gas utilities in the public interest. Learn more about our Mission and Mandate.

The energy transition is well underway in Ontario and the OEB has an important role to play in ensuring that it unfolds in a way that is efficient, cost-effective and provides as much value as possible to consumers. We do this by:

  • Facilitating innovation that supports the energy transition and benefits consumers
  • Ensuring energy system planning is happening with the energy transition in mind
  • Supporting efficient and cost-effective electrification and conservation

What is the OEB doing to address the energy transition?

The OEB’s priorities are aligned with the 4 Ds of the energy transition. We are already undertaking important work that responds to the changing needs of consumers and of the energy sector.

Ongoing OEB work that supports the energy transition includes policy consultations and adjudicative proceedings in which these issues are being considered.

Information about specific initiatives is available below.





Framework for Energy Innovation

Electric Vehicle Integration

Natural Gas Conservation Programs – Demand Side Management

Conservation and Demand Management Guidelines for Electricity Distributors

Distributed Energy Resources Connections Review




OEB Innovation Sandbox

Natural Gas Integrated Resource Planning

Regional Planning Process Review

Summary of Energy Storage-Related Work

Updates to Net Metering


The OEB is also collaborating with other organizations on energy transition work, including the following initiatives:

The OEB is committed to delivering public value in a changing energy sector

What is the energy transition and why does it matter?

The energy transition is a global shift away from using fossil fuels (like oil, gasoline and coal) to a more sustainable, renewable energy future that includes more innovation and customer choice. The OEB has launched an initiative mapping out what its priorities should be in response to sector feedback. We've heard a desire for the OEB to set clear expectations for utilities, for planning, for grid investment supporting electrification and for business models enabling the utility of tomorrow.

The energy transition can be thought of in relation to the "Four Ds" - decarbonization, digitalization, decentralization and democratization.


What does this mean for me?

More choice: Innovative new ways of managing and generating your own energy

More action: Contributing to net zero goals to fight climate change through your own actions

More support: Accessing programs to support conservation, electrification and decarbonization, like electric vehicle charging programs


What is the OEB's role in the energy transition?

The OEB is the independent regulator of Ontario's electricity and natural gas sectors. We are governed by the OEB Act and other statutes, and our role is to regulate electricity and natural gas utilities in the public interest. Learn more about our Mission and Mandate.

The energy transition is well underway in Ontario and the OEB has an important role to play in ensuring that it unfolds in a way that is efficient, cost-effective and provides as much value as possible to consumers. We do this by:

  • Facilitating innovation that supports the energy transition and benefits consumers
  • Ensuring energy system planning is happening with the energy transition in mind
  • Supporting efficient and cost-effective electrification and conservation

What is the OEB doing to address the energy transition?

The OEB’s priorities are aligned with the 4 Ds of the energy transition. We are already undertaking important work that responds to the changing needs of consumers and of the energy sector.

Ongoing OEB work that supports the energy transition includes policy consultations and adjudicative proceedings in which these issues are being considered.

Information about specific initiatives is available below.





Framework for Energy Innovation

Electric Vehicle Integration

Natural Gas Conservation Programs – Demand Side Management

Conservation and Demand Management Guidelines for Electricity Distributors

Distributed Energy Resources Connections Review




OEB Innovation Sandbox

Natural Gas Integrated Resource Planning

Regional Planning Process Review

Summary of Energy Storage-Related Work

Updates to Net Metering


The OEB is also collaborating with other organizations on energy transition work, including the following initiatives:

  • OEB Releases Energy Transition Roadmap

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    In September 2022, the OEB launched an initiative to seek stakeholder feedback on its short- and medium-term priorities as they relate to the energy transition. This feedback informed the development of the Energy Transition Roadmap which is a schedule of initiatives that map out the work of the OEB within the broader context of its 2023-2026 Business Plan.

  • Innovation Task Force

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    In September 2021, the OEB’s Board of Directors established an Innovation Task Force (ITF), a committee of the Board tasked with examining:

    • What is happening in the energy sector in terms of disruptive technology and what are the implications?
    • What options are available for a leading, modern regulator such as the OEB in responding to these circumstances?

    The role of the ITF was to provide advice and make recommendations to the OEB's Board of Directors and to government, as may be appropriate. The ITF retained Guidehouse to prepare a report to the ITF, which includes the following:

    • Identification of the impact of innovations and technologies related to the energy transition on the energy sector in Ontario;
    • Assessment of how energy regulators in other jurisdictions are responding to the challenges posed by the energy transition;
    • Consideration of the OEB’s past and ongoing work relative to other regulators as it relates to the energy transition; and, considering all of this,
    • Recommendations for further actions the OEB can take in response to disruptive innovation and the energy transition.

    The ITF adopted and reported back to the OEB Board of Directors on the recommendations set out in the Guidehouse Report and has been dissolved, having concluded its work. The OEB is considering these recommendations in developing its Energy Transition Roadmap. The OEB also shared the Guidehouse Report with the Ministry of Energy and the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel, for consideration.

Page last updated: 26 May 2023, 08:41 AM