Useful Links
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
The Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s responsibility is to ensure that Ontario’s electricity system functions at the highest level of reliability and productivity. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is focused on promoting ingenuity and innovation in the energy sector. Protecting our environment is also a top priority for the Ministry.
For questions on:
- The structure of the electricity market
- Market regulation legislation
- The Ministry of Energy passed legislation requiring the installation of Smart Meters across the province by the end of 2010, and allowing Local Distribution Companies (LDCs), such as Hydro Hawkesbury, to implement Time of Use billing.
1 888-668-4636 or www.mei.gov.on.ca
Ministry of the Environment
The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) works to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment through legislation and enforcement, innovative programs and initiatives, strong partnerships, and public engagement. The ministry works to provide all Ontarians with safe and clean air, land and water.
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment sets emission standards for electricity generators.
For questions on:
- Emission standards
- Emissions trading program
1 800-565-4923 or www.ene.gov.on.ca
Ministry of Government Services
The Ministry of Government Services (MGS) was created to modernize government operations and provide cost-effective services to consumers, businesses and the Ontario Public Service. It is also responsible for leading the development of human resources policies and programs for the Ontario Public Service. Priorities of MGS will support the legislative framework that protects the public interest in areas such as privacy, freedom of information and consumer protection.
For questions on:
- Consumer Protection Act
- Business Practices Act
1 800-268-1142 or www.cbs.gov.on.ca
Ontario Energy Board (OEB)
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) is the regulator of Ontario’s electricity and natural gas sectors and licenses all market participants, including Hydro Hawkesbury. The OEB is responsible for establishing a regulated rate plan for low-volume and designated electricity consumers. The OEB is also responsible for the implementation of energy policy in Ontario as directed by the Ontario Ministry of Energy.
For questions on:
- Licensing all participants in the electricity system
- Electricity Retailers’ Code of Conduct
- Rates charged for electricity, transmission and distribution
- The OEB, which designs and regulates electricity rates for consumers in Ontario, has developed the required Time of Use rate structure
- Rates charged by local distribution companies, such as Hydro Hawkesbury
Ontario Power Authority (OPA)
The Ontario Power Authority is responsible for ensuring an adequate, long-term supply of electricity in Ontario.
For questions on:
- Conservation Programs
- Long-term reliability and adequacy of Ontario’s electricity system
- Generation development
- Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program
- Integrated Power System Plan
1 800-797-9604 or www.powerauthority.on.ca
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
The IESO manages Ontario’s electricity system and operates the wholesale electricity market. It forecasts the demand for electricity and ensures that there are available supplies to meet that demand.
For questions on:
- Market rules for the bulk sale and purchase of electricity
- Wholesale spot market pricing
416 506-2823 or www.ieso.ca
Hydro One Networks Inc.
Hydro One Networks Inc. operates the transmission system in Ontario and delivers electricity safely, reliably and responsibly to homes and businesses across the province of Ontario. Hydro One is wholly owned by the Government of Ontario.
For questions on:
- Provincial transmission system
1 888-664-9376 or www.hydroonenetworks.com
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is an Ontario-based electricity generation company whose principal business is the generation and sale of electricity in Ontario. Its focus is on the efficient production and sale of electricity from its generation assets, while operating in a safe, open and environmentally responsible manner.
For questions on:
- Nuclear, hydro, coal and gas generators
- Generation market share
- Sale of generating capacity to competitors
1 877-592-2555 or www.opg.com
Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation (OEFC)
The OEFC is responsible for managing the debt of the former Ontario Hydro, managing the administration of the existing power purchase agreements with non-utility generators in the electricity market and receiving all payments and administering other assets, liabilities, rights and obligations that were not transferred to another of the Ontario Hydro successor corporations. The OEFC determines how electricity customers will pay down Ontario Hydro’s stranded debt.
For questions on:
- The stranded debt
416 325-8000 or www.oefc.on.ca
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is a stand-alone, financially self-sustaining not-for-profit corporation operating as an Administrative Authority under the Electricity Act 1998 and an Administrative Agreement with the Ministry of Government Services. ESA is responsible for public electrical safety in Ontario and sets the safety standards for wiring installations, equipment and appliances.
For questions on:
- Electrical safety and electrical installations
- Ontario Electrical Safety Code
- Electrical inspections
- Electrical contractor information and licensing
- Electrical product recalls
1 877-372-7233 or www.esasafe.com
Canadian Electricity Association
Founded in 1891, CEA is the national association of the Canadian electricity industry. Its members ensure reliable electricity service across the country, and the association itself encourages innovations and improvement in Canadian electricity services, through programming and information distribution. Focus areas include economic, environmental, and societal issues within Canada’s power industries.
For questions on:
- Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)
- Regulatory guidelines for distribution utilities in Canada
- Tax policies and financial auditing within the electricity industry
- The Environmental Commitment and Responsibility (ECR) program and general inquiries pertaining to stewardship and sustainability within the electricity industry
- Aboriginal communities/lands and the electricity industry
- Human resources trends in the industry, and the adequacy of Canada’s electricity workforce
613 230-9263 or www.electricity.ca
Electricity Distributors Association
Provides Ontario’s local electricity distributor companies (LDCs) with advocacy and representation in the legislative and regulatory environment and the electricity market in Ontario.
For questions on:
- Significant issues and opportunities affecting the electricity distribution industry and membership business interests
1 800-668-9979 or www.eda-on.ca