Useful Links
Below is a list of websites that you may find useful.
Ministry of Energy
The Ministry’s responsibility is to ensure that Ontario’s electricity system functions at the highest level of reliability and productivity. While many of the MOE initiatives are carried out by other groups, (i.e. coal reduction, conservation, OPA) they take direct charge of issues like smart metering.
Ontario Energy Board
The Ontario Energy Board is responsible for regulating natural gas and electricity utilities as well as licensing generators and retailers. This includes setting just and reasonable rates for the regulated entities.
Independent Electricity System Operator
The IESO balances the supply of and demand for electricity in Ontario and then directs its flow across the province’s transmission lines. Their web site is a source for information regarding current and historical load levels for the province as well as load reduction warnings and appeals.
Visit the Independent Electricity System Operator’s website.
ESA – Electrical Safety Authority
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is responsible for public electrical safety in Ontario as designated by Ontario Regulation 89/99. The ESA operates as an Administrative Authority under the Electricity Act 1998 and an Administrative Agreement with the Ministry of Government Services. The ESA had little impact on distribution utilities until 2004 when regulations were passed to have ESA monitor and inspect utility activity. This has resulted in increased costs to develop standards and processes and undertake audits to meet ESA requirements.
Hydro One Networks Inc.
HONI took over the transmission and distribution assets of the former Hydro One and has the responsibility for the construction and maintenance/operation of the provincial transmission grid as well as the distribution system that is primarily in the rural area.
OPG - Ontario Power Generation
Ontario Power Generation was formed and took over the generation assets of the former Ontario Hydro with a current capacity of 22,173 MW. To try and create a competitive market, part of the capacity is regulated by the government and the remainder is subject to market forces.
Electricity Distributors Association (EDA)
The Electricity Distributors Association is the voice of Ontario’s local electricity distributors, the publicly and privately owned companies that safely and reliably deliver electricity to over four million Ontario homes, businesses and public institutions. The EDA organization is run by the LDC’s through a Board of Directors. Utility staff and Directors can become involved through various councils, committees or on the Board. Presently Doug Fee sits on the District 1 Executive and Lyle Jamieson is on the Trades and Training Committee.
E&USA – Electrical & Utilities Safety Association
Focused on the electrical and utilities sector, E&USA encompasses every industry and deals with all aspects of health and safety. Established in 1915, E&USA is Ontario’s oldest health and safety association. They provide training programs and seminars to help employees work safely and efficiently. E&USA is one of several health and safety organizations within the Ministry of Labour.