The Provincial Government has set out a goal of ensuring that Ontario consumers in communities that currently do not have access to natural gas are able to share in affordable supplies of natural gas.
The Minister of Energy has asked the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to examine opportunities to facilitate enhanced access to natural gas for rural and remote communities and businesses in the province (read the Minister’s letter). The OEB is inviting parties with the appropriate financial and technical expertise to propose one or more plans for natural gas expansion.
In this context and depending on the nature and scope of any proposals made, the OEB is aware that regulatory flexibility may be required. The OEB will hear requests for regulatory flexibility or appropriate exemptions in the context of an application made for approvals pertaining to expansion portfolios and specific projects.
