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OEB Resource Guide
Glossary
Adjudication Process
The process of reviewing an application and pronouncing judgment
based on the evidence.
Commodity Cost
The cost of the actual electricity or natural gas consumed, before any delivery or transmission charges.
Distributors
Distribution companies take power from high-voltage transmission lines, “step-down” the electricity to a low-voltage level and provide it to local consumers. The distribution system delivers electricity or gas in a given geographic area and usually involves some form of legal monopoly over services in that geographic area
Economic Regulation
Regulation that is designed to act as a substitute for economic forces in a marketplace that is not fully competitive (i.e., where entities are not subject to fully competitive forces).
Electric Utility
An electric power company that operates a power transmission and distribution system and has the legal right to deliver electric power in a given geographic area. Usually involves some form of legal monopoly over electric services in the geographic area.
Generator
Generators produce the electricity that we use. The majority of Ontario’s electricity is produced by Ontario Power Generation, a successor company to the former Ontario Hydro, and the Bruce nuclear station. Other smaller generators are generally renewable energy plants (e.g., wind) and industrial facilities that produce power on-site for internal use.
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
Responsible for ensuring electricity system reliability and the detailed design and implementation of the spot market. The IESO acts as a system controller, forecasting how much electricity will be needed and telling generators how much power they can send in, and when, to the province’s transmission lines. The IESO also acts as the settlement agent for the wholesale spot market, collecting bills from distributors and direct consumers and paying generators and transmitters.
Intervenor
An individual or group who wishes to participate in a public hearing held by the Ontario Energy Board and has been granted intervenor status. Intervenors may include consumers, consumer and trade associations, environmental groups, public interest groups and affected individuals.
Intervenors may, depending on the nature of the process, submit evidence, arguments or interrogatories (written questions) or cross-examine a witness at an oral hearing.
Market Surveillance Panel (MSP)
The function of the MSP is to monitor and report on the wholesale electricity market for efficiency and the abuse of market powers.
Monopoly
A market in which one company has exclusive possession or control of a commodity, product or service.
Observer
An individual or group who does not wish to participate in a public hearing held by the OEB but who wishes to monitor the progress of the proceeding by obtaining documents issued by the OEB.
Public Hearing
The OEB operates as an adjudicative tribunal and carries out many of its regulatory functions in proceedings through oral or written public hearings. These provide a forum for individuals or groups who may be affected by the OEB’s ruling to express their views to the OEB and to participate meaningfully in the decision-making process.
Regulatory Instruments
Rules, codes, guidelines and handbooks are all examples of regulatory tools issued by the OEB to guide and regulate the conduct of market participants in the energy sector.
Transmission
Refers to the transmission of electricity over high-voltage transmission lines between the generating station and the local distribution area where the electricity is to be used. Hydro One, a successor company of the former Ontario Hydro, owns and operates most of the transmission lines in Ontario.
OEB Contacts
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For Industry Stakeholders |
For the General Public |
Mailing Address |
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market.operations@oeb.gov.on.ca Seeking clarification of a rule or code? Unsure whom to contact on a specific regulatory issue? Want to report an allegation of non-compliance? The above information line and email were set up to be your central point of contact. You will receive an initial response with an OEB reference number. Our goal is to provide an initial response no later than five business days after contact. |
Consumer Relations Centre: T: 1-877-632-2727, F: (416) 440-7656 |
Ontario Energy Board |
