Ontario Energy Board Enacts Fast-Track Grid Connection Rules for Utility Battery Storage Megaprojects

TORONTO, ON — The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) issued final regulatory amendments to the Distribution System Code (DSC) and Transmission System Code (TSC), establishing an expedited 60-day connection assessment standard for utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Unlocking 2,500 Megawatts of Clean Energy Storage

The regulatory updates eliminate legacy multi-year queue delays, establishing standardized technical connection terms between commercial storage developers and local hydro distribution companies like Hydro One and Toronto Hydro. The rules enable 2,500 megawatts of contracted Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) battery facilities to connect quickly to the grid, storing surplus overnight clean nuclear power and injecting energy during daytime peak electricity demand.

Energy ministers and OEB commissioners affirmed that rapid deployment of battery storage is essential to power Ontario's surging electric vehicle battery manufacturing supply chain without firing gas peaker plants.

Energy Storage Canada and Industrial Customer Support

Energy Storage Canada (ESC) praised the binding connection timelines for providing multi-billion dollar capital investment certainty.

Major industrial manufacturing associations supported the grid reliability enhancements for preventing voltage drop disruptions.

Regulatory Enforcement Date

The expedited battery connection rules take effect across all Ontario electricity distributors on October 1, 2026.