Ministry of Energy – www.mei.gov.on.ca
The Ministry of Energy’s responsibility is to ensure that Ontario’s electricity system functions at the highest level of reliability and productivity. In the new market, the MOE has taken on a much greater role in directing the electricity industry. 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.
OEB – Ontario Energy Board – www.oeb.gov.on.ca
Prior to the new market, the OEB regulated the gas market. The Ontario Energy Board is now 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.
IESO - Independent Electricity System Operator – www.ieso
The IESO manages Ontario's electricity system and operates the wholesale electricity market. It forecasts the demand for electricity and ensures there are available supplies to meet that demand. The IESO web site is a source for information regarding current and historical load levels for the province as well as load reduction warnings and appeals.
Ontario Power Authority - www.powerauthority.on.ca
The organizational objectives of the OPA are to carry out these statutory objectives, organized under four key functions: Power System Planning, Generation Development, Conservation Bureau and Electricity Sector Development. There is also a Corporate Affairs service group to provide cross-cutting professional and administrative support.
Ontario Conservation Bureau – www.conservationbureau.on.ca
While the Conservation Bureau is part of the OPA, it operates with a separate public identity that is used to promote conservation programs within the province.
ESA – Electrical Safety Authority – www.esainspection.net
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. – www.hydroone.com
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 – www.opg.com
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.
Bruce Power – www.brucepower.com
Bruce Power was originally created by the purchase of the Bruce Nuclear Site by British Energy. One of Ontario’s largest independent power generators, Bruce Power is now a partnership among Cameco Corporation, TransCanada Corporation, BPC Generation Infrastructure Trust, a trust established by OMERS, the Power Workers’ Union and The Society of Energy Professionals. Bruce Power has a capacity of 4,700 MW.
Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) - www.eda-on.ca
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 - http://web.eusa.on.ca/
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 safety and efficiently. E&USA is one of several health and safety organizations within the Ministry of Labour.
