new report says the ontario energy board needs overhaul - electrical energy storage systems
TORONTO —
Ontario's energy regulators need a comprehensive overhaul to strengthen public trust in their work and better adapt to the government's technological changes
The appointed panel of experts said in a report released this week. The three-
The member group responsible for reviewing how to improve the performance of the Ontario Energy Board recommended that the board should be more independent, simplify the application of rate change and adapt to better respond to technological changes in the energy sector.
"On the whole, these proposals identify opportunities to increase confidence in the Ontario regulatory system and point out opportunities to strengthen public trust," the report said . " The report will be released publicly on Friday.
OEB sets the rules for energy companies and sets the rates paid by consumers.
The former Liberal government conducted a full review of the board in December 2017, and the work was suspended after the new Progressive Conservative government came to power in last June.
Energy minister Greg Redford
The Ontario energy commission modernization review team was formed in last August.
It has been led by Richard dicelny, former head of power generation in Ontario.
The panel recommends that OEB appoint its own board of directors and set up a chief commissioner to oversee supervision.
The panel says these measures will help ensure that it is considered a fair and just decision.
"Reforming the governance structure is a solid first step in improving trust and confidence in the regulatory system," the report said . ".
The organization also recommended that regulators simplify the review of applications for interest rate changes.
It noted that OEB should deal with its case work "on a reliable schedule" and clearly communicate needs, status and milestones.
"Participants need to have more certainty about what they can expect from the regulatory process," the report said . ".
"Providing this certainty is an important part of building public trust.
"The panel also recommends that the commission develop a plan to meet the needs of the energy sector as technological change continues.
Those "disruptive forces"
Including the direction of electric vehicles, the customer's own power generation, and the energy storage battery to become more affordable --
Will change the market for OEB regulation.
"The resulting new business model, changing consumer expectations and connectivity between the energy system and the wider economy will require OEB to adjust its policies, the report said: "Governance and practice will continue to serve the public interest. ".
The company also said that the board should change its name to the Ontario energy regulator, adding that the agency's core purpose is "prudent regulation ".
A spokesman for Redford said the government was reviewing the document.
"We are carefully considering all the suggestions in the report," Brayden Akers said in a statement . ".
On November, in a speech by the Ontario electricity producers association, rickford expressed the hope that reforms would take place in OEB, part of the government's commitment to cut the hydro-electricity rate by 12 percentage points.
He told the organization that OEB plays a vital role as a regulator, but has not been reviewed for many years.
"When we find ourselves in the digital age, technological advances have brought about unprecedented changes and changes, and consumer expectations for service delivery are higher than ever," he said . ".
"We need OEB to be the top regulator to respond in this environment.
OEB says it will comment on the report when it is released to the public.