Reliability and Power Quality Review (RPQR)

The OEB is reviewing electricity sector reliability and power quality performance framework.


The OEB has launched a review of reliability and power quality in Ontario’s electricity sector. This Review is aligned with the OEB's Strategic Plan goals to protect the public and drive energy sector performance. The OEB has not reviewed its approach to electricity distributor reliability performance since the launch of the Electricity Distribution System Reliability Standards initiative in 2010. For transmitter reliability, the OEB last reviewed the framework for customer delivery point performance standards in 2008. Given changes in the sector and customer expectations it is timely to undertake this comprehensive review of the overall reliability performance framework.

The OEB is reviewing electricity sector reliability and power quality performance framework.


The OEB has launched a review of reliability and power quality in Ontario’s electricity sector. This Review is aligned with the OEB's Strategic Plan goals to protect the public and drive energy sector performance. The OEB has not reviewed its approach to electricity distributor reliability performance since the launch of the Electricity Distribution System Reliability Standards initiative in 2010. For transmitter reliability, the OEB last reviewed the framework for customer delivery point performance standards in 2008. Given changes in the sector and customer expectations it is timely to undertake this comprehensive review of the overall reliability performance framework.

  • Setting Reliability Performance Targets

    The OEB is introducing an enhanced approach to setting reliability performance targets for all rate-regulated electricity distributors. The new methodology will strengthen customer protection and encourage distributor performance improvement as the energy transition unfolds and customers increasingly rely on the electricity system. These enhanced performance targets will be applied to distributors’ performance scorecards when they submit rebasing applications, starting with applications filed in 2026, for determination of rates effective in 2027.

  • Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code

    The OEB has issued a Notice of Proposal to amend the Distribution System Code. The proposed amendments establish minimum requirements for licensed electricity distributors in communicating with customers when there are widespread power interruptions in a distributor’s service area caused by severe weather. The purpose of these requirements is to provide customers with timely information to help them prepare for and stay safe during extended electrical service interruptions. The OEB invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposal by January 17, 2025.


  • Distribution Sector Resilience and Responsiveness

    The OEB has released a report titled “Distribution Sector Resilience and Responsiveness” in response to the Minister’s November 2023 Letter of Direction. This Report provides valuable insight into Ontario distributors’ approach to planning for and recovering from major storms.

  • Results on Customer Communications Surveys

    The OEB invited customers to participate in a survey to better understand their experience and expectations regarding the communications they receive from their electricity distributors throughout major weather events. The results of the survey highlighted the importance for customers to receive timely and accurate information, enabling them to stay prepared and ensure their safety during prolonged power interruptions.

  • Guide to Addressing Electricity Distribution Power Quality Issues

    The OEB has developed a Guide to Addressing Electricity Distribution Power Quality Issues. The Guide is intended to enhance transparency and consistency by fostering a uniform approach for addressing power quality issues across Ontario.

  • The OEB is Implementing Voluntary Feeder-Level Reliability Reporting

    The OEB is providing for new voluntary reporting by distributors on reliability data at the distribution feeder level. The OEB expects this information will be supportive in building customer awareness and understanding about the reliability of their distributor’s services. Distributors that have the available information are encouraged to report feeder-level reliability in April 2025 for the 2024 calendar year. This letter outlines the rationale for the new provision and the reporting details.

  • The OEB Launches Review of Transmission Reliability Framework

    The OEB established a new RPQR Transmission Subgroup to review the policy framework related to the current customer-specific reliability standards – called “customer delivery point performance standards” – that apply to electricity transmitters. The review includes the scope of those standards. The RPQR Transmission Subgroup held its first meeting today.

  • The OEB is Making Additional Improvements to RRR

    The Ontario Energy Board is making improvements to the Reporting and Record-keeping Requirements for electricity distributors as part of its ongoing Reliability and Power Quality Review consultation.

  • The OEB Is Making Improvements to RRR

    The OEB is making improvements to its Reporting and Record-keeping Requirements (RRR) for electricity distributors as part of its Reliability and Power Quality Review.

  • The OEB Establishes RPQR Working Group

    The OEB has issued a letter confirming the membership and scope of work for the newly established Reliability and Power Quality Review Working Group (RPQR WG).

Page last updated: 28 Jan 2025, 03:34 PM