Ontario's Bill 40: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Future
Key Ideas
- Bill 40 aims to expedite regulatory approvals in Ontario to build an affordable, secure, reliable, and clean energy system while increasing domestic investment in local energy infrastructure projects.
- Proposed amendments to the Electricity Act and the Ontario Energy Board Act include expanding objectives to support economic growth and the development of low-carbon hydrogen, permitting new regulations for funding electricity projects, and introducing connection requirements for high-demand load facilities.
- The amendments also grant the Ontario Energy Board the authority to support economic growth, issue internal procedural policies, and make payments to electricity transmitters, aligning with the upcoming Integrated Energy Plan introduced by Bill 214.
- These legislative changes are seen positively as they pave the way for a sustainable energy future in Ontario and have potential implications for businesses in the region.
On June 3, 2025, the Ontario government unveiled Bill 40, the Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, 2025, with the aim of streamlining regulatory processes to facilitate the development of a cost-effective, secure, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy system in the province. The bill intends to boost local investments in energy infrastructure projects. Key amendments under Bill 40 include expanding the objectives of the Electricity Act to encompass supporting economic growth and the advancement of low-carbon hydrogen technologies in line with government policies. Additionally, proposed changes allow for new funding regulations for energy projects, including the option for the government to finance payments to stakeholders. The bill also introduces specific criteria for connecting high-demand facilities like data centers to the electricity grid, focusing on factors such as economic development and job creation. Amendments to the Ontario Energy Board Act enhance the OEB's role in promoting economic growth within the electricity sector, granting more authority to the Chief Executive Officer and facilitating payments to electricity transmitters. These modifications align with the upcoming Integrated Energy Plan, initiated by Bill 214, and are viewed positively as steps towards a sustainable energy future for Ontario, with potential implications for businesses operating in the region.