Organization

Chairs & Vice-Chairs

The Chair and two Vice-Chairs are responsible for overseeing the management and operations of the Board. They make up the Board's Management Committee.

Board Members

The Board has full and part-time members who are appointed by the Government of Ontario for a term of two years initially, and renewable up to five years. Together they bring significant experience in a range of disciplines including engineering, economics, accounting and law.

Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer develops, articulates and manages the Ontario Energy Board's strategic and business plans and day-to-day operations, and evaluates results to ensure the achievement of the Board's strategy and mandate, and to ensure compliance with the regulatory framework.

The Board is supported by the following business areas, each led by a Managing Director.

Business Areas

Applications & Regulatory Audit

Applications & Regulatory Audit is responsible for the oversight of energy market licencees and rate regulated utilities. This includes assisting the Board in its review of applications for distribution and transmission rates, licences, facility asset construction, franchise approvals and approvals of mergers, amalgamations, acquisitions and divestitures.

The Applications unit is responsible for reviewing, processing and providing advice to the Board on utility applications for rates and facilities approvals, and licence applications.

The Regulatory Audit unit monitors on an ongoing basis the financial operating performance of gas and electricity utilities. Staff also provide accounting, financial, and technical advice to the Board as required.

Regulatory Policy & Compliance

The Regulatory Policy unit develops policy options and recommendations related to gas and electricity operations, conducts research on current and emerging issues and undertakes strategic regulatory planning. Staff maintain contact with utilities, stakeholder groups and regulatory and energy bodies in other jurisdictions. The unit also advises the Board in respect to the review of market rules and supports the Market Surveillance Panel in its responsibility to monitor the Ontario electricity market.

The Compliance unit is responsible for ensuring that the electricity and natural gas industries comply with OEB licences, rules and regulations. The Compliance section also assists industry stakeholders with regulatory issues.

Legal Services & Board Secretary

Under the leadership of the General Counsel, Legal Services provides legal advice to Board members and staff on all aspects of the Board’s authority and responsibilities, including hearings, acquisitions and amalgamations, licensing, rule-making and cost assessment. It also provides advice on appeals and judicial reviews, legislation, and corporate matters including conflict of interest. In addition, Legal Services acts as counsel to the Board in hearings and to the Secretary with regard to delegated responsibilities.

The Board Secretary’s office performs all hearings-related and registrar functions including making logistical arrangements for hearings, maintaining the public record and issuing regulatory documents. The group also provides case administration services to assist hearing panels and Board regulatory staff in the processing of cases, as well as managing the Information Resources Centre and the Public File Room.

Communications & Consumer Relations

The Communications & Consumer Relations (CCR) Department is responsible for full service communications and public affairs support to the Chair, Vice-Chairs, Board Members, Chief Operating Officer and OEB departments. The CCR branch provides strategic communications planning and advice, stakeholder and media relations, web site management, internal communications, correspondence management, consumer information and the development of news releases, backgrounders, FAQs and fact sheets.

The Consumer Relations Centre is responsible for responding to written and phone inquiries from members of the public regarding the Board and its regulation of the energy sector, as well as the intake of complaints regarding licensees.

Planning & Business Services

The Planning & Business Services Department provides a wide range of strategic planning, financial, IT and administrative support services to the Board. There are three groups within the department: IT, Finance, and Planning & Administration

The Planning & Administration unit provides strategic development and coordination of the Board’s business and operational plans. It also provides recorded information management, procurement, office and facilities management services for the other departments in the Board.

The Finance unit provides budgeting, financial accounting and reporting, for Board operations.

The Information & Information Technology unit manages and delivers office automation and technology related services including applications (e-Filing, case management system, regulatory document search), security, telecommunications support and the development and maintenance of computer systems.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Department provides strategic direction with respect to human resource initiatives and activities within the Board, including strategic planning and policy formulation.