Spending Pattern Analysis

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) is initiating a consultation to engage interested stakeholders in a review of electricity distributors’ spending patterns. It’s intended that this spending pattern analysis (SPA) consultation will result in improvements to the OEB’s regulatory oversight of spending trends and capitalization policies in Ontario’s electricity sector. The SPA consultation is part of the OEB’s commitment to refining cost assessment models and strengthening regulatory frameworks.

The OEB’s June 2023 Report to the Minister of Energy, Improving Distribution Sector Resilience, Responsiveness and Cost Efficiency, proposed the “Enabling of Capacity Through Cost Efficiency” as a desired regulatory outcome in

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) is initiating a consultation to engage interested stakeholders in a review of electricity distributors’ spending patterns. It’s intended that this spending pattern analysis (SPA) consultation will result in improvements to the OEB’s regulatory oversight of spending trends and capitalization policies in Ontario’s electricity sector. The SPA consultation is part of the OEB’s commitment to refining cost assessment models and strengthening regulatory frameworks.

The OEB’s June 2023 Report to the Minister of Energy, Improving Distribution Sector Resilience, Responsiveness and Cost Efficiency, proposed the “Enabling of Capacity Through Cost Efficiency” as a desired regulatory outcome in the OEB’s broader review of its incentive rate-setting mechanisms. It also identified the analysis of distributors’ spending patterns as an opportunity to enable this outcome.

The OEB has retained the Pacific Economics Group Research, LLC (PEG), to conduct research, administer surveys, and facilitate discussions. Working under the oversight of OEB staff, PEG will engage with stakeholders for review and feedback.


  • Timeline Updates to SPA Consultation

    The OEB appreciates the active participation at the recent stakeholder meeting on April 25, 2025. In support of proposed adjustments that would grant stakeholders more time to input into project at various stages, we have made the following revisions for all parties:

    • Survey Data Collection: Extended to May 23, 2025.
    • Additional Written Comments: Extended to May 30, 2025.
    • Comments on the draft report: Extended to August 8, 2025

    Read the OEB letter issued on May 1, 2025, advising participants in the SPA consultation to these proposed timeline changes.

  • OEB launches Spending Pattern Analysis Consultation

    The OEB has launched a consultation to engage stakeholders in assessing how the Renewed Regulatory Framework for Electricity (RRFE) structure for multi-year planning and rates affects utility spending patterns and the capitalization of assets. This analysis aims to enhance the OEB’s regulatory oversight of spending trends and capitalization policies in Ontario’s electricity sector. This review reflects the OEB’s commitment to improving cost assessment models and strengthening regulatory frameworks.

Page last updated: 08 May 2025, 09:47 AM