IESO has signed new memorandum of understanding with the Competition Bureau
December 21, 2018
A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the IESO’s Market Assessment and Compliance Division (MACD) and the Competition Bureau (the Bureau) will support increased cooperation and information sharing. The agreement helps ensure consumers are protected and businesses benefit from a fair and level playing field in Ontario’s electricity market.
The MOU enhances the IESO’s ability to monitor behaviour that exploits, manipulates or circumvents Ontario electricity market rules, and enforce compliance. Under the agreement the IESO and the Bureau will also coordinate joint education and advocacy activities.
The market rules establish and govern efficient, competitive and reliable wholesale markets for electricity in Ontario. Ontario’s electricity market connects generators and suppliers that sell electricity with wholesale consumers who purchase it. Competition in the market ensures that electricity is available to Ontarians across the province at the lowest cost.
MACD is the enforcement body that oversees conduct in the Ontario wholesale electricity market. MACD monitors the operation of Ontario’s electricity grid and markets, investigating potential non-compliance with the Ontario market rules and North American reliability standards. By investigating, identifying and holding parties accountable, MACD ensures that market participants and consumers are protected. Its enforcement activities and market education efforts also help deter future breaches of the market rules.
The Bureau is an independent federal law enforcement agency that ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.