Electricity & Natural Gas Regulatory Matters
- Overview
- Who To Contact
- Recent Developments
Aird & Berlis energy regulatory lawyers have decades of experience in the field. Our team participates in a broad range of applications and proceedings before the Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”), including rates, facilities, licensing, code development, compliance and generic proceedings. Our lawyers also represent clients in cases before the Canadian Energy Regulator.
We assist stakeholders with the development of applications and interventions, as well as the preparation of supporting evidence. We have deep knowledge of the principles of public utility regulation and of the legislative and regulatory instruments that apply to Ontario’s dynamic energy sector. We engage and assist experts in the preparation of reports in anticipation of their appearance at proceedings before the OEB. We provide opinions regarding the interpretation of statutes, regulations and codes. Additionally, we provide comments and submissions to the OEB in the development of new codes and proposed amendments to existing codes. Our lawyers are well known to OEB staff and counsel and – by virtue of our numerous attendances before the OEB – by Commissioners themselves.
Our lawyers have appeared at many energy related court hearings over the years, including trials and application hearings, judicial review applications, stated cases and appeals. We have extensive experience before all levels of court in these matters and have acted on behalf of applicants, appellants and respondents. Subject areas that have been at issue in these court proceedings include rate-making, policy, consumer protection, expropriation applications and natural gas storage. We also have experience in putting forward and responding to petitions made to the Lieutenant Governor in Council in respect of OEB matters. Through our extensive experience in all of these matters, we have a strong understanding of the principles and requirements of administrative law and judicial review.
Our lawyers keep up to date with developments in Canada's energy sector and share their knowledge of the industry through energyinsider.ca, a blog which features commentary, analysis and news about legal and regulatory developments, with a particular focus on regulated entities in Ontario.
Contacts
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Group Members
Recent Developments
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EnergyInsider
The Use of Holding Companies for Ontario’s Municipally Owned Electricity Utilities: Part 2 – ‘Corporatization’ and Development of the HoldCo Structure
This article explores the legislative framework for using holding companies in Ontario's municipally owned electricity utilities under the Energy Competition Act, 1998. -
EnergyInsider
Ontario Energy Board Announces Phased Approach to Implementing Capacity Information Maps
The Ontario Energy Board has announced its plan to move ahead with implementing capacity information maps for licensed electricity distributors. -
EnergyInsider
Ontario Introduces Legislative Changes to Support Its Affordable Energy Future Plan
To support the initiatives and goals set out in Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future plan, the Ontario government is proposing legislative changes in three areas, set out in the Affordable Energy Act, 2... -
EnergyInsider
Ontario Announces Changes to Reduce Electricity Infrastructure Costs for New Housing Developments
This article outlines Ontario's announcement regarding the reduction of electricity infrastructure costs for new housing developments by extending the revenue horizon for cost recovery from 25 to 40 y... -
EnergyInsider
Ontario Announces New Tilbury Battery Storage Project
This article discusses the Ontario government's announcement of the $170-million Tilbury Battery Storage Project, which will provide 80 megawatts of storage to support the province's clean energy grid... -
EnergyInsider
Canada Energy Regulator to Review Rules of Practice and Procedure
This article outlines the Canada Energy Regulator's review of its rules to align with legislation and modernize procedures, seeking stakeholder and Indigenous feedback through a phased process ending ... -
EnergyInsider
OEB to Review Incremental Capital Module Policy
The Ontario Energy Board recently announced that it will review and evaluate its Incremental Capital Module policy. -
EnergyInsider
The Use of Holding Companies for Ontario’s Municipally Owned Electricity Utilities: Part 1 – What Are They Used For?
This article provides an overview of the utility and advantages of the use of holding companies in a general business and finance context. -
EnergyInsider
Ontario Launches Record-Breaking Procurement Spree to Meet Growing Energy Demands
On August 28, 2024, the Ontario government announced the launch of the largest competitive energy procurement in the province’s history. -
EnergyInsider
OEB Provides Guidance on Consolidations With Release of Updated 2024 MAADs Handbook
The 2024 MAADs Handbook is applicable to both electricity distributors and transmitters filing consolidation applications under applicable sections of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 as of January ... -
EnergyInsider
Enhancing Ontario’s Electricity Future: Insights and Recommendations From the Standing Committee on Public Accounts
On May 28, 2024, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario published a report on the 2022 Annual Report of the Auditor General of Ontario. -
EnergyInsider
Creation of a Distribution System Operator Model for Ontario LDCs: Opportunities, Challenges and Next Steps
Ontario’s electricity system is changing significantly, with local distribution companies ("LDCs") at the forefront. For the first time in decades, Ontario expects substantial load growth due to elect... -
EnergyInsider
IESO Releases 2024 Annual Planning Outlook
On March 19, 2024, the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) released its Annual Planning Outlook (APO) looking at Ontario’s electricity system needs for 2025-2050. -
EnergyInsider
OEB Seeks Input on Review of Electricity Distributor Merger Process
On February 8, 2024, Ontario Energy Board (OEB) staff issued a Discussion Paper titled Evaluation of Policy on Utility Consolidations. The Discussion Paper is an important step in the OEB’s Evaluation... -
EnergyInsider
Report of the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel: Summary and Comments
Commissioned by the Minister of Energy in April 2022, the report outlines a strategic road map for Ontario’s transition to a clean energy economy. -
EnergyInsider
OEB Staff Provide Guidance About Continuing Customer Eligibility for ICI Program After CDM Reduces Customer Demand
A new bulletin provides guidance to Ontario electricity distributors (LDCs) and consumers about when consumers can continue to qualify for the Industrial Conservation Incentive (ICI) even where their ...