The OEB Approves Reduced IESO Smart Metering Charge
September 15, 2022
The IESO Smart Metering Charge (SMC) will be reduced by more than 25 per cent, following the Ontario Energy Board (OEB)’s approval of a new $0.43 per meter per month until December 31, 2022 and $0.42 per meter per month from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027. This new fee is now almost half of the original fee when it was first introduced almost 10 years ago.
In its Decision and Order, the OEB approved the SMC for the next five years (2023 – 2027). More details can be found in the OEB’s Decision and Order (EB-2022-0137).
The Smart Metering Charge covers the costs of operating the Meter Data Management/Repository (MDM/R), which collects, manages and stores smart metering data used to support the billing processes of Ontario’s 57 local distribution companies. This significantly reduced rate is a reflection of the maturity of the Smart Metering Entity (SME) operation and the ongoing efficiencies achieved by the SME over time in operating the provincial MDM/R.
As Ontario’s designated Smart Metering Entity, the IESO is responsible for the implementation and operation of the province’s MDM/R.