Project Background
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) is developing a system capacity map (System Capacity Map) to provide information about available capacity for potential connections in response to the Minister's 2023 and 2024 Letters of Direction (LoD). In the 2023 LoD, the Minister asked the OEB in regard to electric vehicles (EVs) to provide clear direction to the sector, including a standardized process with enforceable timelines for connecting EV charging infrastructure, and publicly available electric capacity information. In its October 17, 2024 Letter, the OEB announced a phased approach to providing capacity information in the form of system maps. As indicated in the October 17, 2024 Letter, the initial phase, requiring distributors to post capacity information maps using their existing systems, is expected to be completed by March 3, 2025.
In the 2024 LoD, the Minister asked the OEB continue its work to expeditiously publish, and to thereafter maintain a sector capacity map, that will be a key piece of information to help make progress towards multiple objectives including ensuring that those seeking to connect to the electrical grid have information about where the closest points of connection may be located. The 2024 LoD also asks the OEB to work with the IESO on development of transmission capacity mapping and this project may inform the system capacity map.
Purpose and Objectives
The OEB is seeking a vendor to develop a System Capacity Map to provide stakeholders - including Electric Vehicle (EV) charging providers, Distributed Energy Resource (DER) developers, subdivision developers, and other customers with centralized access to information about the available electrical capacity for geographic locations within a distributor's service area. This centralized map will cover the service areas of all electricity distributors across the province. The developed map will enhance transparency, facilitate efficient project planning, and support electrification and energy transition.
The successful vendor will design and implement a centralized map based on input from OEB staff, the DER working group and subgroup members, and other stakeholders. The System Capacity Map is expected to offer the following benefits:
- Simplicity: Provides a single point of access for all stakeholders, promoting uniformity and ease of use.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces financial burdens by eliminating the need to develop and maintain many separate maps for over 50 distributors.
- Scalability: Can be designed to accommodate future expansions in data types, sources, and user requirements, ensuring long-term adaptability.
Key areas of focus of this project will include:
- Defining technical parameters including GIS integration, model structure, data attributes, and map topology.
- Developing a scalable and secure platform with standardized design specifications, incorporating a robust system for data transfer, validation and testing to ensure functionality and reliability before launch.
- Delivering a fully operational platform on day one with core features designed to meet stakeholder needs, including up-to-date capacity insights and an intuitive user interface.
- Providing post-launch support, including ongoing platform maintenance, data updates, technical assistance, and user training to ensure long-term platform sustainability and usability.
Scope of Work and Requirements
The project will be carried out in two phases. The vendor is required to provide a separate quote for each phase.
Full details of the RFP document is available only through MERX at www.merx.com or 1-800-964-6379, MERX reference number 0000287535.
