Ontario Government Introduces Bill 40 to Expedite Electricity Infrastructure Projects

Strategic Insights -

The Ontario government introduced Bill 40 on June 3, 2025, to accelerate the development of an affordable, secure, reliable, and clean energy system in the province. The bill aims to increase domestic investment in local energy infrastructure projects and expedite regulatory approvals. Proposed amendments to the Electricity Act, 1998, and the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, will support economic growth and low-carbon hydrogen development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bill 40 proposes changes to the Electricity Act, 1998, and the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, to expedite regulatory approvals for electricity infrastructure projects.
  • Amendments to the Electricity Act, 1998, include expanding the purposes to support economic growth and low-carbon hydrogen development, introducing bespoke requirements for high-demand load facilities, and allowing government-funded payments to electricity generators and distributors.
  • Proposed changes to the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, include expanding the OEB's objectives to support economic growth, granting the OEB Chief Executive Officer the authority to issue internal procedural policies, and permitting the Minister to make payments to electricity transmitters.
  • The bill's amendments aim to support the development of low-carbon energy and create jobs in the sector.
  • The legislative framework for the government's inaugural Integrated Energy Plan is expected to be introduced shortly.

Statistics:

  • Bill 40 was introduced on June 3, 2025, to expedite regulatory approvals for electricity infrastructure projects.
  • The proposed amendments to the Electricity Act, 1998, and the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, aim to support economic growth and low-carbon hydrogen development.
  • The government's inaugural Integrated Energy Plan is expected to be introduced shortly, with the legislative framework introduced last year by Bill 214, the Affordable Energy Act.

Sources:

  • Ontario government press release, "Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, 2025" (June 3, 2025)
  • Bill 40, Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, 2025
  • Electricity Act, 1998 (amended sections)
  • Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 (amended sections)
  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, "Ontario Government Introduces Bill 40 to Expedite Electricity Infrastructure Projects" (Jun. 3, 2025)
  • Mondaq Ltd, "Ontario Government Introduces Bill 40 to Expedite Electricity Infrastructure Projects" (2025)