Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, issued updated terms of reference August 28 for the Modernization Review Panel for the Ontario Energy Board, to “strengthen trust and transparency in the energy sector.”
“Ontario energy stakeholders have repeatedly expressed concerns about Ontario’s energy regulatory system,” the issuance document says. “Informed by a wide spectrum of stakeholders and research, the Minister seeks the advice of an independent panel regarding immediate opportunities to enhance stakeholder confidence in the OEB. Strengthening the governance and operational framework of the OEB is intended to improve its decision-making, increase efficiency and promote best value for consumers.
“This review is expected to benefit Ontario businesses and consumers, as well as support the government priorities to reinforce accountability and trust in government agencies.”
Chris Benedetti of Sussex Strategy Group noted that on September 5 the government circulated revised terms of reference that appear designed to focus more directly on achieving the best value and outcomes for customers, finding system efficiencies, and “exploring innovative ways to deliver sustainable programs and services.” He explained that, “Restoring ‘trust and transparency’ are key areas the Panel will now focus on, as well as improved efficiency and effectiveness. We believe that other changes may lie ahead related to power system planning and imperatives related to electricity reliability and community acceptance.”
The Panel was struck earlier this year by the former Liberal government, and placed under the leadership of Chair Richard Dicerni. The Panel’s findings, following stakeholder consultation and due before the end of the year, will be contained in a Report that will provide advice and recommendations on the OEB’s internal governance structure and operations, to “better align with outcomes that produced enhanced value for the sector,” and “options for utilizing the OEB’s policy expertise while protecting the independence of the adjudicating processes.”
The panel is to operate “for the lesser of four months or until their report is complete.” Deliverables are a report summarizing stakeholder input, and a formal public report, with recommendations, on
“• The OEB’s internal governance structure, including opportunities to enhance oversight, transparency and accountability
“• Options for utilizing the OEB’s policy expertise while protecting the independence of adjudicative processes
“• The OEB’s internal operations, including opportunities to better align activities with outcomes that produce enhanced value for the sector.”
Panel members are Richard Dicerni, Chair, Cara Clairman and Bruce Campbell.