Streamlining Transmission Connections

The OEB is undertaking a comprehensive review of transmission connection processes and requirements for load customers, in direct response to the Minister of Energy and Mines’ Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) Directive.

This review will assess the reasonableness and timelines of transmitter connection procedures and recommend changes that will streamline connections for load customers, make the process more efficient, and reduce overall connection timelines. The review will also explore opportunities to improve coordination between licensed transmitters and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Further, the OEB will consider the potential for transmission connection performance standards for licensed transmitters.

To support this work, the OEB will engage stakeholders through written submissions and a virtual forum in August 2025. Following the forum, the OEB will establish a working group, made up of load customer, transmitter and IESO representatives. This group will support OEB staff in developing recommendations for the Minister.

This initiative is distinct from the OEB’s Transmission Connections Review, which, among other areas, is focused on transmission cost responsibility. The Streamlining Transmission Connections consultation is specifically aimed at procedural improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the transmission connection process.

The OEB is undertaking a comprehensive review of transmission connection processes and requirements for load customers, in direct response to the Minister of Energy and Mines’ Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) Directive.

This review will assess the reasonableness and timelines of transmitter connection procedures and recommend changes that will streamline connections for load customers, make the process more efficient, and reduce overall connection timelines. The review will also explore opportunities to improve coordination between licensed transmitters and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Further, the OEB will consider the potential for transmission connection performance standards for licensed transmitters.

To support this work, the OEB will engage stakeholders through written submissions and a virtual forum in August 2025. Following the forum, the OEB will establish a working group, made up of load customer, transmitter and IESO representatives. This group will support OEB staff in developing recommendations for the Minister.

This initiative is distinct from the OEB’s Transmission Connections Review, which, among other areas, is focused on transmission cost responsibility. The Streamlining Transmission Connections consultation is specifically aimed at procedural improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the transmission connection process.

  • OEB Streamlining Electricity Connections Report Submitted to Minister

    The OEB has provided to the Minister of Energy and Mines its report, Streamlining Ontario’s Electricity Connection Network: Enabling Growth and Meeting Customer Expectations.

    This report was informed by a comprehensive review of distribution and transmission customer connection procedures across Ontario’s electricity sector. It responds to the Integrated Energy Plan directive, issued to the OEB on June 12, 2025, as well as the December 19, 2024, Letter of Direction.

    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

    The OEB has provided to the Minister of Energy and Mines its report, Streamlining Ontario’s Electricity Connection Network: Enabling Growth and Meeting Customer Expectations.

    This report was informed by a comprehensive review of distribution and transmission customer connection procedures across Ontario’s electricity sector. It responds to the Integrated Energy Plan directive, issued to the OEB on June 12, 2025, as well as the December 19, 2024, Letter of Direction.

    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 Minister regarding next steps.

  • OEB selects members for STC working group

    The OEB has formed the Streamlining Transmission Connections (STC) Working Group to support its review of transmitter connection procedures. The committee’s five members reflect perspectives from across the electricity sector and represent the following organizations:

    • Association of Major Power Consumers in Ontario
    • Hydro One Networks Inc.
    • Independent Electricity System Operator
    • Milton Hydro Distribution Inc.
    • Red Jar Energy Partners

    These members will work closely with OEB staff to develop recommendations that support a more streamlined and effective connection process in response to the Minister of Energy and Mines’ Integrated Energy Plan Directive.

    Read the OEB’s letter for more information on

    The OEB has formed the Streamlining Transmission Connections (STC) Working Group to support its review of transmitter connection procedures. The committee’s five members reflect perspectives from across the electricity sector and represent the following organizations:

    • Association of Major Power Consumers in Ontario
    • Hydro One Networks Inc.
    • Independent Electricity System Operator
    • Milton Hydro Distribution Inc.
    • Red Jar Energy Partners

    These members will work closely with OEB staff to develop recommendations that support a more streamlined and effective connection process in response to the Minister of Energy and Mines’ Integrated Energy Plan Directive.

    Read the OEB’s letter for more information on the STC Working Group and how it supports the aim of the STC initiative to improve efficiency and reduce connection timelines for load customers.


  • OEB Launches Review to Streamline Transmission Connection

    The OEB has initiated a review of transmission connection processes and requirements for load customers, in response to the Minister of Energy and Mines’ Integrated Energy Plan Directive. This review will assess the reasonableness of current timelines, identify opportunities to streamline the process, and explore improved coordination between transmitters and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). The OEB is also considering the potential introduction of performance standards for transmitters, with a final report due to the Minister in December 2025.

    Stakeholders are encouraged to help shape the review by submitting written comments and participating in a virtual forum focused

    The OEB has initiated a review of transmission connection processes and requirements for load customers, in response to the Minister of Energy and Mines’ Integrated Energy Plan Directive. This review will assess the reasonableness of current timelines, identify opportunities to streamline the process, and explore improved coordination between transmitters and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). The OEB is also considering the potential introduction of performance standards for transmitters, with a final report due to the Minister in December 2025.

    Stakeholders are encouraged to help shape the review by submitting written comments and participating in a virtual forum focused on identifying challenges, barriers, and opportunities for improvement. A working group—including representatives from load customers, transmitters, and the IESO—will be formed following the forum to support the development of recommendations. Cost awards are available for eligible participants.

    Read the OEB’s letter initiating this review for more information on how to participate, guidelines for written submissions and forum registration as well as eligibility for cost awards.


Page last updated: 18 Dec 2025, 02:27 PM