Employer Spotlight: Ontario Energy Board
By Nassim Terzout
Original image can be found here.
Who is the OEB?
If you’ve ever looked into who governs energy in Ontario, you’ve probably come across the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). The OEB is the entity that monitors energy companies in Ontario and implements changes to benefit consumers. If you have been wanting to get involved with energy from a political standpoint, read further to learn more about the Ontario Energy Board and their recent updates!
What does OEB do?
OEB is known as an energy regulator. Their mission is to ensure that energy companies in Ontario are generating and marketing energy appropriately. They are constantly looking to revamp policies and make legal changes that energy providers must abide by to protect consumers.
What are OEB’s priorities?
OEB’s primary objective is to educate consumers on changes in the energy sector and so they can make informed decisions on how they purchase their utilities [2]. They focus on establishing rates and prices appropriate to consumers as well investigating any complaints received. The OEB also prioritizes efficiency and strives to make the most use of our traditional energy sources like natural gas.
What has the OEB done in November?
In early November, the OEB investigated two energy providers, E.L.K energy and ENWIN Utilities [3]. Both were found guilty of failing to abide by regulations regarding disconnection practices, which are the steps an energy company must undergo before disconnecting consumers from their utilities. Roughly 111 users had their energy disconnected without being properly informed. As a result these companies had to sign an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance act to protect consumers. This is a prime example of how the OEB operates to protect Ontarians from energy scandals.
How can I work at the OEB?
As students, the OEB does not currently offer internships or co-op positions. To work at the OEB individuals must possess strong critical thinking and leadership characteristics. Most openings are limited to individuals with experience working in the energy sector, business ventures, or legal/political matters. These job experiences set a strong foundation for being a part of the team that sets and regulates energy in Ontario.
What current openings exist at the OEB?
Currently the OEB has two job openings; they are looking for a Policy Advisor and Data Analyst. As a Policy Advisor, members of the team would be geared towards optimizing current Ontario energy policies and generating new policies that could replace old ones. As a Data Analyst, members of the team would not only have to analyze and generate data but they would have to review it and report back to the team. As a result both of these jobs require an understanding of how energy in Ontario is distributed and how the sector works in general.
How can I learn more?
Visit the OEB website or contact them directly online. The OEB operates a newsroom to keep the public updated on a regular basis. Be sure to check it out here!
References
[1] “Contact the Ontario Energy Board”. Ontario Energy Board. Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.oeb.ca/contact-ontario-energy-board
[2] “About us”. Ontario Energy Board.Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.oeb.ca/about-us
[3] Newsroom. Ontario Energy Board. Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.oeb.ca/newsroom