The Electricity Distributors…

The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) supports the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025, but stresses that its success hinges on the safe, reliable, and timely connection of projects to the electricity grid. The EDA, representing Ontario's local hydro utilities (LDCs), recommends increased coordination with LDCs and suggests six key modifications to the regulatory framework:

Formal Utility Participation: LDCs must be formally involved in reviewing and approving SEZ projects within their service territory because they hold crucial, localized information on system capacity.

Transparency: Establish clear criteria and maintain a publicly accessible, updated list of proposed/approved projects for proactive planning and public accountability.

Advance Notice: Communicate SEZ projects to LDCs with adequate lead time before construction to allow for complex infrastructure planning, resource allocation, and material procurement.

Protection of Existing Work: SEZ designation must not compromise planned system integrity or existing work programs, requiring close coordination to prevent adverse impacts on current LDC projects and existing customers.

Confirmation of Capability: Require formal confirmation of utility capacity and coordination on the availability of materials and resources before granting preferential status.

Utility-Led Proposals: Explicitly permit municipal corporations to nominate or partner on projects, allowing the Act to support major, grid-enabling work that is vital for long-term economic goals, such as electrification.

The EDA also proposes that local benefits (like employment and property tax revenue) be a prerequisite for SEZ designation, given the "heavy lifting" required by the host municipality and its LDC.