Archived OEB Key Initiatives

Completed Projects

View completed projects in alphabetical order

Browse through the full list below, arranged by area of the Board's work:

Regulatory Direction & Market Oversight
Licences, Codes & Rules
Rate Policies

Regulatory Direction and Market Oversight

The Board has a market surveillance role to monitor how the market is working and may issue reports to the Minister on its efficiency, fairness, transparency and competitiveness. The Board also monitors its own function for efficiency, timeliness and effectiveness.

Completed	Project	File No.
2002-2003	Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program Review: Review the Board's guidelines for settlement conferences.	N/A
2003-2004	Consultation on Further Efficiencies in the Electricity Distribution Sector: Review and consult with stakeholders on the potential for further efficiencies in the distribution sector.	RP-2004-0020
2004-2005	Consultation on OEB By-law #3 (Market Surveillance Panel): Under the Electricity Restructuring Act, 2004, the Market Surveillance Panel of the Independent Electricity Market Operator will be continued as a panel of the Board. The composition and functions of the Market Surveillance Panel, as well as the appointment, removal and remuneration of its members, are to be governed by a By-law of the Board (OEB By-law #3).	N/A
2006	Consultation on Proposed New Practice Direction on Confidential Filings: Rule 10 of the Board’s Rules of Practice and Procedure contemplates that there will be a Practice Direction that governs confidential filings. In keeping with that provision, the Board has issued for comment a proposed Practice Direction on Confidential Filings and proposed consequential amendments to the Rules of Practice and Procedure.	EB-2006-0084
2004-2005	Cost Assessment Model For The Ontario Energy Board: The OEB recovers its operating and capital costs through assessments to the natural gas and electricity market participants that it regulates. The cost assessment model is the approach used by the OEB to allocate costs first across types of market participants (classes) and then amongst the individual participants within each class. The Board is inviting comment from regulated stakeholders and the public by December 15, 2004.	N/A
2007-2010	Cost of Capital and, 2nd Generation Incentive Regulation Mechanism Consultations and Licence Amendment Proceeding: This project is part of the Board’s multi-year electricity distribution rate setting plan (the “Plan”), and is aimed at the development of a simple, practical and mechanistic incentive rate adjustment, including the cost of capital to be used, for the years 2007 to 2010.	EB-2006-0087 EB-2006-0088 EB-2006-0089
2004-2005	Funding for Stakeholder Participation in Regulatory Policy Initiatives: The Board has developed an initiative to encourage stakeholder participation in regulatory policy initiatives in an efficient and cost effective manner.	N/A
2005	Minimum Filing Requirement for Natural Gas Cost of Service Applications: As part of the findings of the Natural Gas Forum report, the Board committed, to review the gas utilitiy guidelines for the rate hearing process	EB-2005-0494
2005	Minister's Directive on Coal Displacement: The Board is considering issuing an interpretative guideline with respect to its review of contracts between the Ontario Power Authority and various generators pursuant to a directive from the Minister of Energy dated June 15, 2005. Board Staff has prepared a draft interpretative guideline.	EB-2005-0522
Mar 1-04	Minister's Directive on demand-side management (DSM) and demand response (DR): Report to the Minister with recommendations on options for delivery of demand-side management and demand response activities in the electricity sector and on the role of electricity and natural gas distributors in demand side management.	RP-2003-0144
2006	Natural Gas Demand Side Management Generic Issues Proceeding: In the Board's recent partial decision in Enbridge Gas Distribution's 2006 rates application (EB-2005-0001 / EB-2005-0437), the Board announced its intention to convene a generic proceeding to address a number of current and common issues related to DSM activities for natural gas utilities.	EB-2006-0021
Mar 30-05	Natural Gas Forum (Consultation on Ontario's Natural Gas Market): Facilitate the development of viable competitive markets in natural gas through review of the role of storage, transportation and the supply of commodity gas.	RP-2004-0213
2005	NGF Review on Natural Gas Electricity Interface (NGEIR): This review will examines the implications of additional gas-fired electricity generation on the natural gas infrastructure, service offerings, and on coordination between natural gas and electricity system operators.	EB-2005-0306
2006	Natural Gas Utility Service Quality Requirements: Consultation to discuss a proposed framework that will develop service quality measures, standards and reporting mechanisms for natural gas utilities	EB-2005-0453
2005-2008	Ontario Energy Board's 2005-2008 Business Plan Consultation: The Board's 2005-2008 Business Plan involves a three-year planning cycle and is the first product of our longer-term strategic and business planning process. A draft was released for stakeholder comment on November 24, 2004.	N/A
2006-2009	Ontario Energy Board's 2006-2009 Business Plan Consultation: The Board's 2005-2008 Business Plan involves a three-year planning cycle and is the first product of our longer-term strategic and business planning process. A draft was released for stakeholder comment on November 24, 2004.	N/A
2007-2010	Ontario Energy Board's 2007-2010 Business Plan Consultation: While the 2006-2009 Business Plan’s core objectives remain the same, the strategic context, key initiatives and performance measures have been updated.	N/A
2006	Proposed Approach to Review of the Ontario Power Authority's Integrated Power System Plan and Procurement Processes: The Board is developing principles that will guide its review of the OPA's IPSP and procurement processes. The Board is also preparing filing guidelines in relation to the IPSP.	EB-2006-0207
2005	Development of Filing Requirements for Transmission Infrastructure Investment: The Board has announced its intent to develop filing requirements for applicants investing in electricity transmission infrastructure. The filing requirements will apply to applications for leave to construct under section 92 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 as well as to transmission rates applicants whose infrastructure investments may be reviewed for prudence.	EB-2005-0470
2003-2004	Transmission Planning Process Review Work with the Independent Electricity Market Operator and Hydro One Networks to develop a process to identify and review transmission system enhancements to improve economic efficiency.	N/A
2005	Union Gas - Transactional Service: Union Gas has filed a letter with the Ontario Energy Board outlining its views on the recently-approved methodology for Enbridge Transactional Services and whether that methodology should be applied to Union. The Board is now seeking comments from stakeholders on whether and how it should address Union’s Transactional Services methodology.	EB-2005-0502

Licences, Codes and Rules

The Board develops regulatory policy to enable it to deliver its mandate through the use of its regulatory instruments and interpretation of its legislated objectives.

Completed	Project	File No.
Nov 24-03	Affiliate Relationships Code for Electricity Distributors and Transmitters: Amendment to section 2.1.4 of the Affiliate Relationships Code for Electricity Distributors and Transmitters to postpone the implementation of section 2.1.3.	RP-2003-0067
July 2006	Amendment to the Distribution System Code: The Ontario Energy Board has identified a need to review and clarify certain provisions in the Distribution System Code related to expansions, alternative bids, and enhancements. Chapter 3 of the Code, entitled Connections and Expansions, was established to encourage uniformity of approach across electricity distributors.	EB-2005-0488
2003-2004	Canadian Cable Television Association (CCTA) Proceeding: Application by the CCTA for an amendment to the licences of all electricity distributors to establish uniform terms and conditions of access to electricity distribution power poles for the purpose of transmitting cable services.	RP-2003-0249
2003-2004	Codes of Conduct: Amend the Electricity Retailer Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Gas Marketers to reflect, for example, legislative amendments such as Bills 58, 210, 23.	RP-2003-0213
2002-2003	Combined Distribution Service Area Amendments Proceeding: The Board received several applications from electricity distributors for amendments to their licensed service area. These were combined into one proceeding.	RP-2003-0044
2003-2004	Distribution System Code (DSC) amendment to section 4.2.1 re: disconnection: Amend the Distribution System Code In order to enhance public safety in circumstances where a distributor disconnects a customer	RP-2003-0203
2007	Distribution System Code Proposed Amendment: The Ontario Energy Board is proposing amendments to the Distribution System Code that will defer the date by which geographic distributors must eliminate load transfer arrangements. The proposed amendments also outline information geographic distributors will be required to file with respect to their plans for eliminating existing load transfer arrangements.	EB-2007-0005
2002-2003	Electronic Business Transaction (EBT) Standards: The EBT Standards govern the exchange of information among automated systems to enable electricity distributors and retailers to meet the requirements of the Retail Settlement Code. The Board authorized version 2.1 of the Standards as a baseline document for Market Opening. Revisions to the Standards are recommended to the Board by the EBT Standards Advisory Committee.	RP-1999-0032
2004-2005	Gas Affiliate Relationship Code (ARC) Amendments: The Board has conducted a consultation respecting a proposed change to the Affiliate Relationships Code for Gas Utilities.	RP-2004-0140
2005	Hydro One Transmission Rate Review: The Ontario Energy Board has commenced a proceeding on its own motion to determine whether the transmission rates of Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One) are just and reasonable, and to approve or fix revenue requirements for 2006, 2007 and 2008 for the transmission of electricity, pursuant to sections 78 and 19 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998.	N/A
2004-2005	IESO's 2005 Fees, Expenditures and Revenue Requirements: The Independent Electricity System Operator ("IESO") has filed its fiscal 2005 proposed fees, expenditures and revenue requirements for review by the Ontario Energy Board under section 19 of the Electricity Act, 1998.	EB-2004-0477
2004-2005	Joint Application for Transmission System Code (TSC) Exemption: Joint Application by Hydro One Networks Inc., Ontario Power Generations Inc. and Bruce Power L.P. for exemption to section 2.1.1 of the Transmission System Code.	RP-1999-0057 EB-2002-0501
Dec 23-03	Minister's Directive on Connection: Review and enhance licence conditions by amending the Distribution System Code in order to facilitate the connection of new generation to distribution systems, giving precedence to the use of cleaner, alternative and renewable energy sources.	RP-2003-0133
2003-2004	Natural Resource Gas exemption from Affiliate Relationships Code: Natural Resource Gas Limited filed an application for certain exemptions from the Affiliate Relationships Code for Natural Gas Utilities.	RP-2002-0147
Oct 25-02	OEB Rules of Practice and Procedure: Revised Rules to reflect the Board’s expanded mandate and responsibilities under the Energy Competition Act, 1998, as well as amendments to the Statutory Powers Procedure Act.	N/A
Oct 25-02	Practice Directions for Appeals: Establishment of Practice Directions that provide guidance to stakeholders on appeal procedures.	N/A
Feb 21-03	Practice Directions for Cost Awards: Establishment of Practice Directions that provide guidance to stakeholders on cost awards.	N/A
Feb 26-02	Preliminary Filing Requirements for Acquisitions, Divestitures and Amalgamations: Development of guidelines that set out the minimum filing requirements for Section 80 and 81 Notices of Proposal.	RP-2001-0065
2005	Proposed Amendments to the Distribution System Code: The government’s filing of the Net Metering Regulation, Ontario Regulation 541/05, triggers the requirement under section 70(6.1) of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 for the Board to create licence conditions establishing the maximum cumulative generation capacity from net metering generators that electricity distributors must allow to be connected to the distribution system.	EB-2005-0447
2003-2004	Proposed Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements for Gas Utililites and Licensed Gas Marketers: The Ontario Energy Board is proposing to establish reporting and record keeping requirements for natural gas utilities and licensed gas marketers.	RP-2003-0242 RP-2003-0247
2004-2005	Proposed Revised Transmission System Code: The Board is proposing to adopt a revised version of the Transmission System Code.	RP-2004-0220
Oct 23-02	Reporting and Record-keeping requirements for Electricity Licensees: Development of reporting and record-keeping requirements for electricity market participants.	RP-2002-0140
Sep 4-03	Retail Settlement Code Amendments to Chapter 8: Amendment to the RSC in order to be consistent with amendments made to the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, and several changes made by the Independent Electricity Market Operator	RP-2003-0056
2003-2004	Transmission System Code: Complete the review process and issue amended code.	RP-2002-0120
2004-2005	Unpaid Electricity Charges - Amendments to the DSC: The Ontario Energy Board is proposing amendments to the Distribution System Code to provide greater clarity as to local electricity distribution companies’ rights and obligations with respect to customers owing money for unpaid electricity charges or for a security deposit. The Board will conduct this proceeding by way of receiving written comments and oral presentations with respect to the proposed amendments.	RP-2004-0166

Rate Policies

The Board is the economic regulator for transmission and distribution in Ontario. The Board is also responsible for reviewing and approving the IESO-fees. In the policy area, the Board takes a forward look for how rates and consumer charges should develop.

Completed	Project	File No.
2006	2006 Electricity Distribution Rate Applications The Board initiated a process to establish approved rates for electricity distributors based on updated revenue requirements, with the intent that these new distribution rates would be effective on May 1, 2006.	RP-2005-0020
2004-2005	2006 Electricity Distribution Rates (2006 EDR) - Handbook Development: The Board issued its Report and 2006 Electricity Distribution Handbook on May 11, 2005 and has commenced the processing of 2006 electricity distribution rate applications. This historical material related to the creation of the Report and the Handbook is available for reference purposes.	RP- 2004-0188
2003-2004	Cost allocation load data working group: Undertake cost allocation studies to allocate revenue requirement between rate classes.	RP-2003-0228
2001-2002	First Generation Performance-Based Regulation (PBR): In the electricity sector, the Board has implemented Ontario's first generation of performance-based rate regulation for electricity distribution	N/A
Sep 29-00	Generic Proceeding on Minister's Directive: Minister's directive to the Board on the setting of rates for the distribution of electricity	RP-2000-0069
2003-2004	Minister's Request for the Board to Review Wholesale Metering Rebates and Exit Fees Proposed by Hydro One Networks: Request from the Minister of Energy for the Board to invite Hydro One Networks Inc. to submit, for the Board's review, a proposal for rebating existing, and new, metered market participants when they make alternative arrangements for the provision of meter services.	RP-2003-0188
2007	Rate Making Policies Associated with Distributor Consolidation: This project will consult with stakeholders on the rate making issues that may be associated with certain distributor mergers, acquisitions, amalgamations and divestitures.	EB-2007-0028
2003-2004	Second Generation Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) rate design: Develop a second generation RBR rate approach for electricity distributors post 2006.	N/A