Regional and Bulk Electricity System Planning Process Review

Ontario’s electricity demand is rising faster than ever, driven by electrification and economic growth. To keep pace, the OEB has been directed by Minister of Energy and Mines to review and recommend enhancements to Ontario’s regional and bulk planning processes. The aim of these updates is to make processes more efficient, flexible and responsive to the province’s needs.

In alignment with Section 4 of the directive, this review will examine opportunities to:

  • Better aligning regional and bulk planning with actual load growth.
  • Improve flexibility and responsiveness while reducing timelines within the planning cycle.
  • Assess whether to formalize the bulk planning process.

As part of this initiative, the OEB will work closely with the IESO and engage key stakeholders, including electricity distributors, natural gas distributors, and other relevant parties. The OEB will deliver its report, with recommendations for process improvements, to the Minister by March 31, 2026.

Ontario’s electricity demand is rising faster than ever, driven by electrification and economic growth. To keep pace, the OEB has been directed by Minister of Energy and Mines to review and recommend enhancements to Ontario’s regional and bulk planning processes. The aim of these updates is to make processes more efficient, flexible and responsive to the province’s needs.

In alignment with Section 4 of the directive, this review will examine opportunities to:

  • Better aligning regional and bulk planning with actual load growth.
  • Improve flexibility and responsiveness while reducing timelines within the planning cycle.
  • Assess whether to formalize the bulk planning process.

As part of this initiative, the OEB will work closely with the IESO and engage key stakeholders, including electricity distributors, natural gas distributors, and other relevant parties. The OEB will deliver its report, with recommendations for process improvements, to the Minister by March 31, 2026.

  • OEB Review of Ontario’s Regional and Bulk Planning Processes Report

    The OEB has provided to the Minister of Energy and Mines its report, Review of Ontario’s Regional and Bulk Planning Processes Report.

    This report was informed by a comprehensive review of Ontario’s Regional and Bulk Planning Processes. It responds to the Integrated Energy Plan directive, issued to the OEB on June 12, 2025.

    We are appreciative of the Ministry, the sector and all stakeholders for their participation and input throughout the consultation, which helped inform the report’s development. We welcome feedback from the Ministry regarding next steps.

    The OEB has provided to the Minister of Energy and Mines its report, Review of Ontario’s Regional and Bulk Planning Processes Report.

    This report was informed by a comprehensive review of Ontario’s Regional and Bulk Planning Processes. It responds to the Integrated Energy Plan directive, issued to the OEB on June 12, 2025.

    We are appreciative of the Ministry, the sector and all stakeholders for their participation and input throughout the consultation, which helped inform the report’s development. We welcome feedback from the Ministry regarding next steps.

  • RBPP Advisory Group Members Announced

    The OEB has announced the members of the newly established Regional and Bulk Planning Process (RBPP) Advisory Group. This advisory group comprises 21 members representing a diverse cross-section of the energy sector. Participants include:

    • Electricity and natural gas distributors
    • Electricity transmitters
    • Large and small resource suppliers
    • Non-government organizations
    • Industrial, commercial and other non-residential consumer groups
    • Municipal and regional governments
    • Indigenous communities


    Read the OEB’s letter for more information on the RBPP Advisory Group and how it supports the goals of the RBPP initiative, including improving flexibility and responsiveness, reducing timelines within the planning cycle, and better aligning with load growth.

    The OEB has announced the members of the newly established Regional and Bulk Planning Process (RBPP) Advisory Group. This advisory group comprises 21 members representing a diverse cross-section of the energy sector. Participants include:

    • Electricity and natural gas distributors
    • Electricity transmitters
    • Large and small resource suppliers
    • Non-government organizations
    • Industrial, commercial and other non-residential consumer groups
    • Municipal and regional governments
    • Indigenous communities


    Read the OEB’s letter for more information on the RBPP Advisory Group and how it supports the goals of the RBPP initiative, including improving flexibility and responsiveness, reducing timelines within the planning cycle, and better aligning with load growth.

  • OEB launches Regional and Bulk Electricity System Planning Review

    The OEB is initiating a review of regional and bulk electricity system planning processes that are more efficient, flexible and responsive to better match the demand needs of Ontario. To support this review, an Advisory Group is being established to explore opportunities to enhance the planning process.

    Letters of interest from stakeholders to the OEB about participating in this advisory group should be emailed to registrar@oeb.ca by September 12, 2025.

    Read the OEB’s letter for details on the advisory group’s scope and timelines, including instructions on submitting a letter of interest.


    The OEB is initiating a review of regional and bulk electricity system planning processes that are more efficient, flexible and responsive to better match the demand needs of Ontario. To support this review, an Advisory Group is being established to explore opportunities to enhance the planning process.

    Letters of interest from stakeholders to the OEB about participating in this advisory group should be emailed to registrar@oeb.ca by September 12, 2025.

    Read the OEB’s letter for details on the advisory group’s scope and timelines, including instructions on submitting a letter of interest.


Page last updated: 31 Mar 2026, 02:08 PM