TORONTO, ON — Yesterday, the Ontario Energy Board announced completion of two initiatives related to the Green Energy Act that promote connecting renewable resources efficiently, and protect ratepayers. The Board is also launching a new proceeding to determine reasonable charges to small renewable generators.

The first initiative amends the Distribution System Code (DSC) to ensure viable generation projects, in particular, renewable generation are connected in a timely manner.

The second initiative amends the Retail Settlement Code and the DSC to simplify the payment procedures for generation facilities that qualify under the Ontario Power Authority's (OPA) Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program to obtain energy from renewable energy sources.

Both sets of amendments are now in effect.

The Board also issued a notice announcing it intends to conduct a proceeding to determine the appropriate service charge electricity utilities should charge renewable micro generators with a capacity of 10 kilowatts or less that qualify for the OPA's microFIT program. Until the review is complete, the Board ordered utilities to charge an interim service charge equal to the utility's existing residential monthly service charge.

The initiatives announced today are part of a series of initiatives the Board is undertaking to facilitate the connection of renewable generation in Ontario in a timely manner. They will provide the framework for appropriate and reliable electricity infrastructure development consistent with the Board's objectives, including its new objectives under the Green Energy Act.

The Ontario Energy Board regulates the province's electricity and natural gas sectors in the public interest. It envisions a viable and efficient energy sector with informed consumers and works toward this vision through regulation that is effective, fair and transparent. For more information on the Board, visit the web site at www.oeb.gov.on.ca.

< Prev		Next >