Robust new tools to provide consumers a stronger voice: Ontario is taking steps to protect consumers by enhancing the authority of the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).
The OEB has sole responsibility to set electricity rates for Ontario. If passed, the proposed Strengthening Consumer Protection and Electricity System Oversight Act would provide stronger compliance and enforcement tools, including increased penalties to companies that do not comply with OEB rules and directions. As the province’s independent regulator of electricity, this would enhance the OEB’s ability to ensure continuity of service for consumers and provide greater protection for consumers in their dealings with electricity retailers and gas marketers.
Proposed amendments to enhance protections for energy consumers include:
- Banning door-to-door sales for energy contracts
- Increasing the cooling-off period for energy contracts to 20 days, and
- Providing government with the ability to identify priority transmission projects to ensure that critical transmission infrastructure is built in a timely manner.
To maintain continued leadership at the Board level, the government is also pleased to confirm the reappointment of Ms. Rosemarie Leclair as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Energy Board for a five-year term.
Strengthening consumer protection in the energy sector is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic and innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts
- The OEB’s mandate is to act as a fair, impartial, and independent regulator as set by the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 (OEBA). One of the OEB’s main objectives is to protect the interests of consumers with respect to prices and the adequacy, reliability and quality of electricity service.
- Ms. Leclair’s experienced leadership within the energy sector, having been appointed to the OEB in 2011, will ensure the OEB continues to meet its mandate, including the implementation of the proposed amendments to the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 and the Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2010.
- The OEB is also moving forward with an initiative to increase consumer advocacy by giving consumers a direct voice in OEB hearings and proceedings.
June 2, 2015 – Ministry of Energy
Source: http://news.ontario.ca/mei/en/2015/06/ontario-takes-steps-to-further-protect-ratepayers.html
