Protecting Privacy of Personal Information and the Reliable Operation of the Smart Grid in Ontario

Case number
EB-2016-0032
Launched
Sector
Electricity
Status
Active
Details

The OEB initiated a policy consultation to engage with key industry stakeholders to continue its review of the non-bulk electrical grid and associated business systems in Ontario that could impact the protection of personal information and smart grid reliability.

The privacy and security of consumer information has long been a priority of the OEB and is a requirement in every distributor’s licence.

The risk of unauthorized access to both operating and business systems in the sector is growing due to the increased use of automation, electronic communications and data flows.  

The goal of this policy consultation will be to identify industry standards and best practices in order to establish a sector wide consistent framework for continuing to protect personal information and the reliable operation of the smart grid.

Reports
Staff Report to the Board on a Proposed Cyber Security Framework and Supporting Tools
Issued
Updates
Updates
Date Issue / Document
September 20, 2018

The OEB has issued a letter proposing a Cyber Security Readiness Report & Amendments to the Electricity Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements (RRR) for licensed transmitters and distributors. Comments are welcome by October 15, 2018.
April 23, 2018

The OEB has issued a letter in response to enquiries regarding the interim reporting requirement.
March 29, 2018

In the March 15, 2018 Notice of Amendments, the OEB indicated that an interim (3 month) progress report is critical to ensure that all licensees have reviewed the Framework and are taking steps to assess their cyber security readiness. Licensed transmitters and distributors are required to submit their certified interim progress report to the OEB between April 30, 2018 and June 15, 2018. A copy of the Interim Certification Report (Appendix A) can be found in letter below.
March 15, 2018

The OEB has issued a Notice of Amendments to the Distribution System Code and the Transmission System Code to implement the OEB’s policies related to Protecting Privacy of Personal Information and the Reliable Operation of the Smart Grid in Ontario for the Electricity and Natural Gas Distributors.
January 18, 2018

The OEB has received the following comments on the Proposed Notice of Code Amendments for the Electricity and Natural Gas Distributors, and the accompanying industry Ontario Cyber Security Framework.
December 20, 2017

The OEB has issued a Proposed Notice of Code Amendments for the Electricity and Natural Gas Distributors, and the accompanying industry developed Ontario Cyber Security Framework, tools and Framework Implementation Report. Comments are welcome by January 18, 2018.
July 27, 2017

The OEB has received the following comments on the Cyber Security Framework:
June 1, 2017

The OEB has issued a Staff Report to the Board on a Proposed Cyber Security Framework and Supporting Tools for the Electricity and Natural Gas Distributors, and the accompanying industry developed Cyber Security Framework. Comments are welcome by July 15, 2017.
February 11, 2016

The OEB issued a letter initiating a policy consultation on Protecting Privacy of Personal Information and the Reliable Operation of the Smart Grid in Ontario.