On February 16, 2024, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) released a document of regulations called the Electric Vehicle Charging Connection Procedures (EVCCP). The regulations will mandate all Ontario utilities to adopt a standardized procedure for installing and connecting new EV charging infrastructure. The EVCCP went into effect on May 27, 2024.
Ontario currently has 58 local utilities, all of which have different procedures for connecting new public EV charging stations. In other words, each provider has their own set of timelines, information requirements, and responsibilities for their customers. This has led to a complex and inefficient system
To address this issue, the OEB spent a year consulting with multiple stakeholders. The OEB concluded the province needs better clarity, transparency, consistency, and efficiency in connecting EV charging stations.
With the EVCCP, customers looking to add public charging infrastructure and a connection with their utility must follow seven steps:
- Preliminary consultation
- Submit a connection request
- Utility reviews the information
- Utility provider makes an Offer to Connect (OTC)
- The project begins development and construction
- Project undergoes energization
- If expansion is required, a final economic evaluation will be done
The new standard applies to public charging connections along highways, service centres, and workplace charging. It also includes multi-residential buildings and charging stations used by electric fleet vehicles. The EVCCP does not apply to EV chargers installed by individual residents or unit owners/tenants of multi-unit residential buildings.
Benefits of the EVCCP
Several Ontario utility providers have responded positively to the EVCCP. A spokesperson for Toronto Hydro said the new regulations will improve the efficiency of installing charger infrastructure and will help advance EV adoption and electrification in the city. According to Hydro Ottawa, the regulation streamlines the application process and supports the utility’s goal of integrating EVs into the provincial grid. The Ontario government believes the EVCCP will reduce red tape and make it easier to add new charging stations across the province.
The EVCCP is part of Ontario’s larger plan to support electric vehicle adoption and make EV charging infrastructure more accessible. The EV ChargeON program supports the installation of public EV chargers outside of large urban centres like highway rest areas or provincial parks. The OEB is working on a proposed Electric Vehicle Discount Electricity Rate for public EV charging stations in low-demand areas. Residents can also sign up for the Ultra-Low Overnight plan to see lower electricity costs when charging their EVs.
