This notice is for informational purposes only. There is no requirement to consult on this initiative on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. Learn more about the types of notices on the registry.
Why consultation isn't required
The Ministry of Energy posted a proposal (notice number 019-6521) to seek feedback to inform proposed changes to enable the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Smart Metering Entity (SME) to collect, process, manage and improve utilization of bi-directional smart metering data through the province’s Meter Data Management/Repository (MDM/R). The posting sought feedback to inform the Ministry’s considerations on the proposal with respect to collection and use of smart meter data for electricity conveyed to the grid, the SME having exclusive authority over this new stream of data, and potential impacts to LDCs. The consultation was open for 45 days from January 17, 2023 to March 3, 2023. A total of seven (7) submissions were received from a variety of stakeholders.
The purpose of this information bulletin is to provide details on the proposed regulatory changes, reflective of stakeholder feedback received, to address implementation considerations for certain stakeholders, such as local distribution companies.
Greater details on the proposed regulatory changes and the results of the public consultation will be included in the decision notice which will be posted at a later date.
Bulletin details
The Ministry of Energy is proposing amendments to O. Reg. 393/07 (Smart Metering Entity) that would include:
- adding a new explicit object of the SME for the collection and management of information and bi-directional smart metering data related to the metering of electricity that is conveyed to the distribution system, and;
- broadening the definition of ‘billing quantity data’ data related to the metering of electricity that is conveyed to the distribution system.
These changes would, if approved, clarify the SME’s ability and authority to collect and manage bi-directional smart metering data to support local distribution companies in the billing and settlement of net-metered customers with behind-the-meter distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar and storage.
With respect to the matter of the SME’s exclusive authority, O. Reg. 393/07 outlines the extent to which the SME has exclusive authority to carry out specific functions related to smart metering data. The proposed amendments to O. Reg. 393/07 would also extend the SME’s exclusive authority to smart metering data on electricity that is conveyed to the distribution system. The amendments would provide for a transition period from the in-force date of the proposed regulatory amendments to January 1, 2025 to allow for resourcing and investment planning for the subset of local distribution companies that may require additional time to integrate their systems with the MDM/R changes.
If approved, these regulatory changes would take effect on July 1, 2023.
Supporting materials
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Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
77 Grenville St., 5th floor
Toronto,
ON
M7A 2C1
Canada