Regulation - LGIC
Removing the timing requirements for releasing Ontario's next long-term energy plan by revoking Ontario Regulation 355/17
Regulation Number(s):
355/17
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Electricity Act, 1998
Summary of Decision:
The government proceeded with the proposal to revoke O. Reg. 355/17 as it is a necessary first step toward achieving the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines' (ENDM's) plan to update Ontario's long-term planning process.
Removing the mandatory timeframe for release of the next long-term plan ensures there is enough time for the design of an effective new planning framework.
Removing the mandatory timeframe for release of the next long-term plan ensures there is enough time for the design of an effective new planning framework.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The proposed amendment will not impose additional costs on businesses.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Electricity Act, 1998
O. Reg. 355/17: Long-Term Energy Plans
Independent Electricity System Operator
Ontario Energy Board
Proposal Number:
20-ENDM021
Posting Date:
July 27, 2020
Summary of Proposal:
Ontario Regulation 355/17 establishes the timeframe for when long-term energy plans should be released. Currently, the regulation requires the next Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) to be issued by February 2021.
The regulation is part of the Electricity Act, 1998 which was amended in 2016 to include requirements for developing a provincial LTEP, outlining roles for the government, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).
We plan to review and update the current LTEP planning process by clarifying the role of the government and its agencies to enable better use of resources and benefit consumers. Given our intent to update the current planning framework, we are not able to release the next long-term energy plan by the regulatory deadline of February 2021.
Although the requirement to release a plan by February 2021 would be removed, the IESO will continue its planning activities including releasing planning outlooks regularly, and consulting and developing regional plans with appropriate stakeholders.
Timing requirements
O. Reg. 355/17 came into effect on September 1, 2017. It required that the first long-term energy plan be released three months after the regulation came into force. From this point on, LTEP's were required every three years from the approval of previous implementation plans by the Minister or within three years of the issuance of the preceding long-term energy plan if no implementation plans were required to be submitted. This regulation is legally binding, and the original intent was to provide a consistent and reliable interval for the release of Ontario's long-term energy plan.
Your Feedback
Reforming the Long-Term Energy Planning Framework in Ontario is an extension of the government's commitment to promoting a transparent electricity sector for customers as outlined in the 2019 Fall Economic Statement. We are seeking your feedback on the proposal to revoke O. Reg. 355/17 as the first step toward achieving this goal. Our next step will be to seek feedback on a proposal for legislative changes to the planning framework that would happen at a later stage.
The regulation is part of the Electricity Act, 1998 which was amended in 2016 to include requirements for developing a provincial LTEP, outlining roles for the government, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).
We plan to review and update the current LTEP planning process by clarifying the role of the government and its agencies to enable better use of resources and benefit consumers. Given our intent to update the current planning framework, we are not able to release the next long-term energy plan by the regulatory deadline of February 2021.
Although the requirement to release a plan by February 2021 would be removed, the IESO will continue its planning activities including releasing planning outlooks regularly, and consulting and developing regional plans with appropriate stakeholders.
Timing requirements
O. Reg. 355/17 came into effect on September 1, 2017. It required that the first long-term energy plan be released three months after the regulation came into force. From this point on, LTEP's were required every three years from the approval of previous implementation plans by the Minister or within three years of the issuance of the preceding long-term energy plan if no implementation plans were required to be submitted. This regulation is legally binding, and the original intent was to provide a consistent and reliable interval for the release of Ontario's long-term energy plan.
Your Feedback
Reforming the Long-Term Energy Planning Framework in Ontario is an extension of the government's commitment to promoting a transparent electricity sector for customers as outlined in the 2019 Fall Economic Statement. We are seeking your feedback on the proposal to revoke O. Reg. 355/17 as the first step toward achieving this goal. Our next step will be to seek feedback on a proposal for legislative changes to the planning framework that would happen at a later stage.
Contact Address:
Effective Date:
January 1, 2021
Decision:
Approved