June 3, 2015 – The Ontario government says it 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. The proposed Strengthening Consumer Protection and Electricity System Oversight Act, if passed, would provide “stronger compliance and enforcement tools, including increased penalties to companies that do not comply with OEB rules and directions”, stated the government.

Providing government with the ability to identify priority transmission projects to “ensure that critical transmission infrastructure is built in a timely manner” is one of the proposed amendments.

The government also confirmed Rosemarie Leclair has also been reappointed as OEB’s chair and CEO for a five-year term.