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OEB Resource Guide
Inside the OEB: Who Does What?
As your energy regulator, we want your experience with us to be as straightforward and efficient as possible.
Since dealing with any regulatory body can be a daunting task, below is a brief look at our organizational structure to help you navigate the OEB and determine who does what.
The OEB consists of Board members and staff:
1. Board Members
The OEB has full- and part-time Board members who are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for an initial term of up to two years and renewable for a term of up to five years. The Chair and two Vice-Chairs are responsible for overseeing the management and operations of the OEB. They make up the Management Committee.
2. Staff / Business Areas
The OEB is structured into six main business areas: Regulatory Policy & Compliance, Planning & Business Services, Applications & Regulatory Audit, Legal Services & Board Secretary, Communications & Consumer Relations, and Human Resources.
OEB's Main Business Areas
Applications & Regulatory Audit
Role: Manages all applications from energy market participants and rate regulated utilities regarding rates, facilities expansion, licenses and changes in utility ownership. Conducts audits of regulated entities and collects reporting information.
Functions:
- Applications Group
- Reviews, processes and advises on applications for rates, acquisitions, dispositions,
facilities approvals and licence applications
- Reviews, processes and advises on applications for rates, acquisitions, dispositions,
- Audit Group
- Monitors ongoing financial operating performance of natural gas and electrical utilities
- Assists stakeholders with regulatory issues
Planning & Business Services
Role: Provides financial, IT and administrative support services to the Board.
Functions:
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Business Services & Planning Group
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Provides business support services, including budgeting, financial accounting, facilities management and procurement activities
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Information Technology Group
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Manages and delivers office automation and technology-related services including
electronic applications, security, telecommunications support, etc.
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Regulatory Policy & Compliance
Role: Provides strategic regulatory planning and policy formulation.
Functions:
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Regulatory Policy Development Group
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Researches current and emerging issues
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Holds public consultations on key policy issues
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Develops and amends codes and rules
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Liaises with utilities, other stakeholders and regulatory and energy bodies outside Ontario
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Compliance Office
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Ensures compliance with OEB licences, rules, codes and legislation
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Advises on market efficiency and market power mitigation measures
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Leads the enforcement function
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Legal Services & Board Secretary
Role: Provides legal advice on all aspects of the Board’s authority and responsibilities.
Functions:
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Legal Services
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Advises on appeals and judicial reviews, legislation, administrative law and corporate
matters including conflicts of interest -
Acts as counsel to the Board in hearings
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Board Secretary
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Performs all hearings related and registrar functions (e.g., logistics for hearings, maintaining the public record, issuing regulatory documents)
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Provides case administration services to assist hearing panels and regulatory staff
process cases -
Manages the Information Resources Centre and Public File Room
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Communications & Consumer Relations
Role: Provides strategic communications planning and manages external communications. Develops consumer information material and operates consumer resource centre.
Functions:
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Strategic communications planning and advice
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Stakeholder and media relations
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Web site management
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Internal communications
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Correspondence management
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Consumer information and Consumer Relations Centre
Human Resources
Role: Provides strategic direction with respect to human resource initiatives and activities within the Board, including strategic planning and policy formulation.
Functions:
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Payroll
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Performance management
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Benefit administration
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Recruitment and selection
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Employee relations
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Labour relations
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Health and safety
