Proposed Revocation of O. Reg. 326/09: Mandatory Information Re Connections under the Electricity Act, 1998

O. Reg. 326/09 (Mandatory Information Re Connections) prescribed timelines for completing grid connection assessments for renewable energy projects seeking a connection to the distribution or transmission system as well as reporting requirements that apply to Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). 

To ensure the safe and reliable operation of the province’s transmission and distribution systems, a proposed renewable energy project may be subject to one or more grid connection assessments required by the IESO, a transmitter or an LDC. The assessments may provide details of the impacts the project would have on the existing electrical system if connected and the technical specifications needed for the project to connect.

Revoking this regulation would remove timelines for LDCs, transmitters and the IESO to complete grid connection assessments for renewable energy projects and ensure consistency for all generation types seeking these types of assessments. This revocation also removes the requirement for LDCs and the IESO to report quarterly on the number of assessments they complete and the system capacity to accommodate more projects.

This action would help make Ontario more competitive by cutting red tape and reducing regulatory burdens for LDCs and the IESO. It also intersects with initiatives led by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and the IESO.

For example, through the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review initiative, the OEB is reviewing the requirements for the connection of DERs by licensed electricity distributors. The OEB is consulting with customers, DER providers, industry associations and distributors to identify barriers to the connection of DERs, and where appropriate, standardize and improve the connection process.

Also, as part of the Framework for Energy Innovation: Distributed Resources and Utility Incentives consultation, the OEB is working with stakeholders to identify and consider regulatory reforms that would facilitate investment in DERs based on their value to consumers. This may include exploring new and innovative ways to make system information available.

Revoking the regulation would also align with the IESO efforts to plan for future electricity supply in a manner that offers value to ratepayers by allowing any resource that can meet system needs to compete.

The repeal of related sections of the Electricity Act, 1998 was introduced as part of Bill 276, Supporting Recovery and Competitiveness Act, 2021.