THE OPPORTUNITY

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) is seeking to appoint a full-time Commissioner to support its adjudicative mandate during a period of profound transformation in Ontario’s energy landscape. Ontario’s energy system is undergoing a significant transformation driven by decarbonization, electrification, and innovation. The province’s recently released first Integrated Energy Plan, Energy for Generations, outlines a roadmap to 2050 that integrates electricity, natural gas, hydrogen, storage, and other sources to support economic growth and climate goals.

The OEB is the independent regulator of Ontario’s electricity and natural gas sectors, responsible for setting utility rates, approving infrastructure projects, licensing energy providers, and enforcing industry rules. It protects and informs millions of consumers by regulating prices, ensuring fair market practices, and supporting low-income households. The OEB delivers public value through independent, prudent regulation that supports Ontario’s economic, social, and environmental development, while being a trusted regulator ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable energy.

This recruitment seeks to replace a retiring Commissioner.

Key sectoral themes include:

• Energy Transition: A shift toward cleaner energy sources and electrification of transportation and industry.
• System Resilience: Enhancing reliability and affordability amid growing demand and risks (e.g., climate-related, cyber-security, etc.).
• Innovation and Market Reform: Emphasis on distributed energy resources, digitalization, and regulatory modernization.

Recent legislative updates, including the Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, 2025 (Bill 40), reinforce the OEB’s role in ensuring affordability and long-term system planning. The OEB continues to evolve its regulatory approach to support innovation, sector transformation, and adjudicative excellence.

COMISSIONER (FULL-TIME)

Commissioners are appointed by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the CEO and report to the Chief Commissioner. They are responsible for adjudicating applications from utilities—including rate changes, infrastructure projects, and mergers—through oral, written, or electronic hearings. Commissioners are expected to render timely, high-quality decisions grounded in administrative law and natural justice, collaborate on panels, and occasionally preside over hearings. They are accountable to the Chief Commissioner for the efficiency, timeliness, and dependability of their decisions.

Commissioners will be expected to bring not only adjudicative excellence and sound judgment, but also a deep understanding of the sector’s transformation. This includes familiarity with distributed energy resources, electrification, digital innovation, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. The OEB is also committed to reflecting the diversity of the society it serves and welcomes candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with experience consulting Indigenous peoples, environmental policy, and energy transition.

The role supports innovation and efficiency in regulatory processes and contributes to policy development. The OEB is committed to ensuring the independence, transparency, and effectiveness of the adjudication process that arises from its quasi-judicial role as the regulator of Ontario’s energy sector.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Render timely and high-quality adjudicative decisions on applications in accordance with legislative requirements, administrative law, and the principles of natural justice.
• Hear and decide substantive and procedural matters in both written and oral proceedings, ensuring independence, impartiality, and transparency.
• Support innovation and efficiency in adjudicative and regulatory processes.
• Uphold principles of regulatory excellence, including independence, accountability, certainty, and efficiency.
• Comply with all legal, regulatory, and governmental requirements, as well as corporate policies.
• Provide policy advice and contribute to the development and modernization of energy sector regulation.
• Collaborate with Commissioners and staff to make sound decisions and develop policy.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Knowledge & Experience

• Academic background in law, accounting, economics, finance, engineering, and/or energy system planning.
• Understanding of the OEB’s mandate, regulatory frameworks, and adjudicative processes.
• Experience in Ontario’s electricity and/or natural gas industries, with an appreciation of the complexities of an evolving market, energy transition, and innovation.
• Experience in interpreting and applying legislative and regulatory frameworks or policies, including principles of economic regulation, administrative law, and natural justice.
• Demonstrated ability to make and communicate complex decisions involving technical evidence and diverse stakeholder interests, ideally in a regulatory or quasi-judicial setting.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary and collaborative environments.
• Experience in policy development, consultation with Indigenous peoples, and environmental or energy efficiency initiatives is valued.
• Open to candidates earlier in their careers and secondment arrangements.

Core Competencies

• Financial Literacy: Ability to interpret financial statements, ratios, and risk indicators to assess rate submissions.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of all sectors of Ontario’s electricity and natural gas industries.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Strong collaboration skills, professionalism, and stakeholder engagement.
• Leadership and Adjudicative Excellence: Ability to preside over panels, manage proceedings effectively, and support innovation within the OEB and the broader energy sector.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrated dedication to inclusive and equitable practices.
• Integrity and Ethics: Commitment to OEB’s Ethics Framework, professional standards, and public interest.

TERM

Appointments will be made by the Board of Directors for a term of up to two years, with the possibility of renewal.

LOCATION

Toronto, Ontario / hybrid. Hearings may be in person. Candidates must reside and work in Ontario to comply with employment and cybersecurity protocols.

While most of the work can be done virtually, hearings may be in person in Toronto. To be compliant with tax, employment standards and cyber security protocols, the principal residence and place of work of a candidate must be in Ontario.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 prohibits the appointment of individuals with material interests in regulated entities. Material interest is defined as a financial interest of $10,000 or more, excluding mutual funds, pension plans, and similar instruments.

The Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 prohibits the appointment of a person who has any material interest in or is a director, officer, employee or agent of:

i. a market participant

ii. a generator, distributor, gas distributor, transmitter, gas transmitter, storage company, gas marketer or retailer

iii. a unit sub-meter provider

iv. the Smart Metering Entity

v. a person who sells electricity or ancillary services through the IESO-administered markets or directly to another

person who is not a consumer

vi. an industry association that represents a person referred to in subparagraph i, ii, iii, iv or v

vii. the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) or

viii. an affiliate of a person listed in subparagraph i, ii, iii, iv, v or vii

"Material interest” is a question of fact in every case. The OEB has quantified “material interest” as a financial interest of $10,000 or more and includes the fair market value of debt or equity, but “material interest” does not include a mutual fund or ETF unless specifically targeted at the Ontario energy industry or a segment of the Ontario energy industry; membership in a pension plan; participation in an annuity or life insurance policy; or a GIC or similar financial instrument issued by a regulated financial institution.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The OEB is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the society it serves. We actively seek to identify and eliminate systemic barriers and create an environment of belonging. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those with experience in Indigenous consultation, gender diversity, and early-career professionals.

ACCESSIBILITY

The OEB will make reasonable efforts to accommodate candidates with disabilities during the recruitment process. Please communicate your needs to the search project team.