System Expansion For Housing Developments Consultation

The Province of Ontario has goals to build 1.5 million new homes, improve transportation infrastructure, and attract new jobs, especially in critical industries like minerals, electric vehicles, and battery manufacturing. To support these goals, it's crucial for the OEB to ensure the timely and cost-effective development of Ontario's electrical infrastructure. In response to the Minister of Energy’s Letter of Direction (November 2023), the OEB will undertake a review of distribution system expansion connection and revenue horizons to facilitate growth without burdening ratepayers.

The OEB has initiated a stakeholder consultation to explore different cost recovery approaches. These discussions aim to ensure that infrastructure development aligns with Ontario's growth objectives while remaining financially viable for ratepayers.

Here, you will find the latest developments related to the project. Regular updates will be provided to ensure transparency and engagement throughout the stakeholder consultation process.

The Province of Ontario has goals to build 1.5 million new homes, improve transportation infrastructure, and attract new jobs, especially in critical industries like minerals, electric vehicles, and battery manufacturing. To support these goals, it's crucial for the OEB to ensure the timely and cost-effective development of Ontario's electrical infrastructure. In response to the Minister of Energy’s Letter of Direction (November 2023), the OEB will undertake a review of distribution system expansion connection and revenue horizons to facilitate growth without burdening ratepayers.

The OEB has initiated a stakeholder consultation to explore different cost recovery approaches. These discussions aim to ensure that infrastructure development aligns with Ontario's growth objectives while remaining financially viable for ratepayers.

Here, you will find the latest developments related to the project. Regular updates will be provided to ensure transparency and engagement throughout the stakeholder consultation process.

  • Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code

    The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has issued a Notice of Proposal to amend the Distribution System Code (DSC). These proposed amendments are intended to facilitate the connection of housing developments by extending the connection horizon to a maximum of 15 years for qualifying housing developments and extending the revenue horizon to 40 years for all residential customers. The OEB invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposal by December 9, 2024.

  • Load Connections Bulletin Published

    The OEB has issued a bulletin providing staff’s’ guidance and expectations for licensed electricity distributors in meeting their regulatory obligations to ensure timely customer connections. By adhering to these expectations, distributors can reduce delays and uncertainties, ultimately benefiting the broader community by ensuring reliable and timely access to electricity services. The expectations set out in this Bulletin will be taken into consideration by OEB staff in any compliance review or inspection regarding new load connections.

  • Report Published

    The OEB has published its report to the Minister on System Expansion for Housing Developments. Prepared in response to the November 2023 Letter of Direction, the report presents the OEB’s recommendations to support the government’s goal of building at least 1.5 million new homes and supporting infrastructure. We are grateful to our stakeholders for their participation as we developed our advice, and look forward to working with them to implement this important work.

    On October 21, the Chair of the OEB’s Board of Directors received a letter from the Minister of Energy and Electrification endorsing the OEB's recommendations in this report.

  • Report Submitted

    In response to the November 2023 Letter of Direction, the OEB has submitted its report providing recommendations in regard to the request that we review electricity infrastructure unit costs and potential models for cost recovery, including consideration of current policy for connection and revenue horizons in relation to housing developments.

    We are grateful to the sector for their participation as we developed our recommendations, and welcome feedback and next steps from the Minister of Energy and Electrification.

  • The OEB held a Stakeholder Consultation Meeting

    On April 3, 2024, OEB staff held a virtual stakeholder meeting to discuss existing rules for connection and revenue horizons, exploring various cost recovery models and associated considerations. This consultation attracted a large number of stakeholders, fostering engaging discussions, especially among the developer community and consumer group representatives regarding electricity infrastructure costs in relation to new subdivision developments.

    OEB staff sincerely appreciates the open and engaging conversations, which are vital for progress in the energy transition.

    If you were unable to attend or wish to provide further feedback, stakeholders can submit written comments by May 1st. Find instructions for submitting written comments here.

  • Consultation Launched

    The OEB will engage stakeholders to inform its policy review of the electricity distribution system expansion for housing development, with specific focus on the connection and revenue horizons. This review is being undertaken in response to the Minister of Energy’s November 2023 Letter of Direction.

    The OEB invites stakeholders to a virtual meeting on April 3, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

    Stakeholders who want to participate in the meeting are asked to email notice of their intention to registrar@oeb.ca by March 25, 2024.

    Please refer to the OEB's letter for more details on this engagement.

Page last updated: 18 Nov 2024, 01:39 PM