Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review

Case number
EB-2019-0207, EB-2021-0117
Launched
Sector
Electricity
Status
Active
Details

Note: As of January 26, 2023, materials related to the DER Connections Review consultation are now located on the OEB’s digital engagement platform. Visit the DER Connections Review project page on Engage With Us

 

The OEB is commencing an initiative to review its requirements in regard to the connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) by licensed electricity distributors. The purpose of this initiative is to identify any barriers to the connection of DERs, and where appropriate to standardize and improve the connection process. The review will be focused on connection of electricity generation, storage and electric vehicle charging facilities connected to the distribution system, either in front of or behind the distributor's meter.

View all documents for EB-2019-0207

View all documents for EB-2021-0117

Updates
Updates
Date Issue / Document
March 7, 2023

The OEB has issued the final Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code regarding the connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) to local electricity distribution systems. The amendments are intended to provide further clarity and consistency in the process for connecting a DER. These amendments come into force on June 7, 2023.

  • Notice of Amendments
    • Appendix A — Comparison Version to Existing Code (included in Notice)
    • Appendix B — “Clean” Version (included in Notice)
March 7, 2023

The OEB is making changes to the Reporting and Record-keeping Requirements (RRR) for electricity distributors as part of its ongoing Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Connections Review initiative. These RRR amendments will provide insight into the progress of Ontario’s energy transition.

January 26, 2023

The OEB has received comments from the following stakeholders on the proposed amendments that were issued on January 5, 2023:

January 5, 2023

The OEB has issued a Notice of Proposal to amend the Distribution System Code to provide further clarity and consistency in the process for connecting a distributed energy resource to an electricity distributor’s system. Anyone interested in providing written comments on the proposed amendments is invited to submit them by January 26, 2023.

October 1, 2022

The Distribution System Code (DSC) has been updated with the Amendments that came into force on October 1, 2022. The DSC and Related Documents, including the DER Connection Procedures, are available on the DSC landing page.

June 30, 2022

The OEB has updated the Distribution System Code (DSC) to include code amendments, shown in grey, regarding the connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) to electricity distribution systems that will come into force October 1, 2022. The DER Connection Procedures (DERCP), along with editable template forms are posted below. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the DSC, DERCP or the forms, please contact IndustryRelations@oeb.ca. Please note that, as of October 1, 2022, these files can now be accessed from the DSC landing page.

March 22, 2022

The OEB has issued the final Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code regarding the connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) to local electricity distribution systems. The amendments are intended to improve connection timelines and provide clarity and consistency in the process for connecting a DER. These amendments come into force on October 1, 2022.

December 20, 2021

The OEB has issued a Notice of Revised Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code regarding connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) to local electricity distribution systems. The proposed amendments reflect stakeholder comments received on the proposed amendments that were issued on August 6, 2021, and are intended to improve connection timelines and provide clarity and consistency in the process for connecting a DER. Comments are due by January 21, 2022.

September 13, 2021

The OEB has issued a letter re: Request for Extension of Deadline for Submissions on Proposed Distribution System Code Amendments.

August 6, 2021

The OEB has issued a Notice of Proposal to Amend the Distribution System Code regarding connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) to local electricity distribution systems. The proposed amendments, which have been developed based on input from the OEB’s DER Connections Review Working Group, are intended to improve connection timelines and provide clarity and consistency in the process for connecting a generation or storage DER.
Comments due September 16, 2021.

November 26, 2020

The OEB has issued two letters providing guidance to distributors to support the efficient and timely connection of customers with Distributed Energy Resources (DER) projects. The letters reflect recommendations and advice from the DER Connections Review Working Group. One of the letters provides clarity on the information that should be exchanged between DER proponents and distributors at the preliminary consultation stage of a DER connection project. This information will assist proponents in determining if it is feasible to proceed to the connection impact assessment stage of their project. The second letter provides information for distributors to aid discussions with prospective DER proponents in relation to a sample protection philosophy for use with connection projects intended for self-supply that use non-exporting, inverter-based technologies.

November 26, 2019

The OEB has issued a letter to provide stakeholders with further details about the working group and logistics for the initial meeting.

November 18, 2019

The OEB has issued a letter that provides a summary of stakeholder comments and outlines the next steps in the consultation.

September 17, 2019

The OEB has received the following comments from stakeholders:

August 13, 2019

The OEB is commencing an initiative to review its requirements in regard to the connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) by licensed electricity distributors. The OEB has issued a letter with proposed approach and issues to be considered. The OEB is inviting stakeholders to comment.

Working Group

Date Issue / Document
October 4, 2022

Tranche 4 - Meeting #2

August 22, 2022

Tranche 4 - Meeting #1

May 2, 2022

Tranche 3 - Meeting #3

September 28, 2021

Tranche 3 - Meeting #2

August 16, 2021

Tranche 3 - Meeting #1:

February 16, 2021

Tranche 2 - Meeting #3:

December 8, 2020

Tranche 2 - Meeting #2:

May 26, 2020

Tranche 2 - Meeting #1:

March 25, 2020

Tranche 1 - Meeting #3:

December 16, 2019

Tranche 1 - Meeting #2:

December 4, 2019

Tranche 1 - Meeting #1:

Cost Award Matters
Cost Award Matters
Date Issue / Document
June 12, 2023

The OEB has issued a Decision and Order on Cost Awards for this initiative.

April 13, 2023

The OEB has issued a Notice of Hearing for Cost Awards.

February 14, 2022

The OEB has issued a Notice of Hearing for Cost Awards.

September 3, 2021

The OEB has issued a Decision on Cost Eligibility for the Proposed Amendments to the Distribution System Code.

January 13, 2020

The OEB has issued a Supplemental Decision on Cost Eligibility for this initiative.

September 23, 2019

The OEB has issued a Supplemental Decision on Cost Eligibility for this initiative.

September 13, 2019

The OEB has issued a Supplemental Decision on Cost Eligibility for this initiative.

September 10, 2019

The OEB has issued a Decision on Cost Eligibility for this initiative.