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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 165

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
April 16, 2024
Keeping Energy Costs Down Act, 2024
  • This Act in Ontario aims to amend the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 to improve certain Board proceedings and related matters. The government is focused on keeping costs down, making life more affordable, and growing the economy. They plan to build 1.5 million homes by 2031 and ensure a diverse energy mix for reliable and affordable energy. The Act introduces changes to processes for stakeholder input in the electricity and gas industries, as well as directives for holding hearings on natural gas and electricity matters. It also addresses revenue horizons for natural gas connections and exemptions from certain requirements. Additionally, it allows for directives on applications for natural gas lines and outlines procedures for Board orders.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 165 2024, which amends the Ontario Energy Board Act, can be summarized as follows: 1. The bill aims to enhance consumer representation and stakeholder input in energy-related proceedings before the Ontario Energy Board. By establishing processes for various industry stakeholders to provide advice and recommendations, the bill ensures that the interests of electricity and gas consumers are considered in decision-making processes. 2. The introduction of generic hearings under the bill allows for the efficient determination of matters pertaining to multiple persons or entities regulated by the Board. This streamlines the decision-making process and promotes transparency and fairness in regulatory proceedings. 3. The bill empowers the Minister to issue directives requiring the Board to hold hearings on specific energy-related matters, ensuring that decisions are made in the public interest and align with government priorities such as keeping energy costs down and supporting economic growth. 4. By exempting certain persons from regulatory requirements in special circumstances and providing for revenue horizons in natural gas distribution systems, the bill aims to promote economic feasibility and investment in energy infrastructure, ultimately benefiting consumers and the economy. Overall, Bill 165 2024 seeks to modernize and improve the regulatory framework governing the energy sector in Ontario, with a focus on consumer protection, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable economic development.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A steelman argument opposing Bill 165 2024 from a right-wing anti-government perspective could be as follows: This bill, under the guise of promoting affordability and economic growth, actually expands government control over the energy sector in Ontario. By granting the Minister the power to issue directives that override the decisions of the Ontario Energy Board, the bill undermines the principles of free market competition and individual choice. It allows the government to dictate how natural gas and electricity resources are allocated, removing the autonomy of consumers and businesses to make their own decisions based on market forces. Furthermore, the provisions in the bill that limit procedural fairness and due process rights demonstrate a disregard for individual liberties and property rights. By exempting certain parties from regulatory requirements without a proper hearing or justification, the government is setting a dangerous precedent of arbitrary decision-making that can lead to favoritism and corruption. The bill's emphasis on stakeholder input and representation may seem positive on the surface, but in reality, it opens the door for special interest groups to influence regulatory outcomes in their favor. This can distort the market and lead to inefficiencies, ultimately harming consumers and hindering economic growth. In essence, Bill 165 2024 represents an overreach of government authority into the energy sector, stifling competition, eroding individual rights, and creating opportunities for cronyism. It goes against the principles of limited government and free-market capitalism that are essential for a prosperous and free society.
Second Reading
  • April 16, 2024, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
February 28, 2024

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
February 27, 2024

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
February 26, 2024
First Reading
  • Feb. 22, 2024, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
February 22, 2024