The Ontario Energy…

The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) is pleased to provide this response to the Ministry of Energy’s (the Ministry) proposal to facilitate the timely development of key electricity transmission projects in Southwestern Ontario to ensure critical infrastructure is built on time to support Ontario’s economic recovery (ERO: 019-4926).

COMMENTS

The OEA has reviewed the summary proposal which states that the Ministry is seeking to (1) support planned transmission projects to be built on time and cost-effectively to aid Ontario’s economic recovery and meet the rapid pace of development in the region, making Ontario more competitive in attracting and retaining investment; and (2) expand the use of Ontario’s low-carbon electricity system.

Further, the Ministry states that the proposed actions are intended to: (1) prioritize certain transmission projects; (2) designate Hydro One as transmitter of priority projects; and (3) require Hydro One to undertake early development work on future projects

The OEA is encouraged that the Ministry is taking initiative to expedite and streamline regulatory processes to ensure that critical transmission infrastructure is built in a timely manner. This is especially the case for electricity transmission projects given the long lead times required for new infrastructure and the need to expand the electricity system to be able to meet the significant increase in demand for electricity expected from decarbonization and electrification objectives.

Investments in transmission infrastructure are also pivotal to supporting Ontario’s economy, as well as enabling generation and distributed energy resources.

The OEA supports the regulatory proposal and believes they will reduce the regulatory burden on Hydro One, ratepayers and the OEB as well as enhance partnerships with Indigenous communities and stakeholders. This proposal will also help provide certainty to businesses and the electricity sector.