Ontario Energy Board
The Ontario Energy Board regulates Ontario's electricity and natural gas sectors, focusing on consumer protection and supporting sector innovation.
Services
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) offers a wide range of services to support Ontario's electricity and natural gas sectors. These include providing a bill calculator to help consumers compare rates, and offering programs such as the Low-income Energy Assistance Program and the Ontario Electricity Support Program. Additional services include consumer protection through a complaint resolution process, guidance on energy contracts and electric vehicles, and various resources to help consumers navigate the energy market.
Consumer Protection Initiatives
The Ontario Energy Board prioritizes the interests of consumers with several key initiatives. It offers a Low-income Energy Assistance Program and the Ontario Electricity Support Program to help those in need. The OEB also provides a complaint resolution process to address consumer issues and ensure fair treatment. Additionally, it offers tools such as a bill calculator for rate comparison and publishes resources and guidance on energy contracts and electric vehicles.
Innovation and Market Monitoring
The OEB fosters innovation in the energy sector through its Innovation Sandbox, which supports new and innovative energy solutions. It also closely monitors the energy market via its market surveillance panel, ensuring integrity and fair practices. The published electricity and natural gas rates contribute to transparency and market stability. The OEB maintains compliance among licensed energy companies and conducts performance assessments using interactive dashboards and scorecards.
Stakeholder Engagement and Regional Planning
The Ontario Energy Board engages with various stakeholders through consultations and regional infrastructure planning to enhance Ontario’s energy framework. These engagements allow for a collaborative approach to energy sector challenges and development. The OEB facilitates the application process for energy sector companies, ensuring a smooth and efficient regulatory environment. They maintain a list of licensed energy companies, ensuring compliance and reliability within the energy sector.
Utility Performance Assessments
The OEB conducts thorough performance assessments of utilities, making the results available through interactive dashboards and scorecards. These assessments provide transparency and accountability, ensuring that utilities meet required standards and contribute effectively to Ontario’s economic, social, and environmental development. The OEB's monitoring and reporting mechanisms help maintain high performance and consumer satisfaction within the energy sector.