On the recommendation of the undersigned, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, by and with the advice and concurrence of the Executive Council of Ontario, orders that:

Whereas the Government of Ontario is undertaking the development of Ontario’s first Integrated Energy Plan to ensure the province’s electricity system remains affordable, reliable, and resilient amidst rising demand for electricity and a rapidly changing world;

And whereas the last comprehensive review of Ontario’s electricity distribution sector was conducted in 2012, and since then, electricity demand is projected to increase by 75% by 2050, necessitating a renewed focus on the structure, performance, and effectiveness of electricity distributors (LDCs);

And whereas the Government of Ontario wishes to establish an expert panel to provide advice to the Minister of Energy and Mines (the “Minister”) on how LDCs are best positioned to deliver cost-effective, safe, and reliable electricity distribution services in light of the increased demand for electricity, more frequent extreme weather events, and evolving cyber-related risks;

Therefore, pursuant tosubparagraph 12(1)(a) of the Ministry of Energy Act, 2011, the Local Distribution Company Advisory Panel (the "Panel") is hereby established as a short-term advisory body as follows,

Panel established for up to 100 business days

  1. The Panel is hereby established as a short-term advisory body, accountable to the Minister, for a period of up to 100 business days commencing on the later of the date of this Order and July 1, 2025.

Terms of reference

  1. The Minister shall determine the terms of reference for the Panel, and may amend them from time to time.

Appointments to the Panel

  1. The Panel shall be comprised of up to four (4) members to be appointed by the Minister, and the Minister shall designate one (1) member as Chair.
  2. The members of the Panel, including the Chair, shall serve at the Minister's pleasure for a period of up to 100 business days commencing on the later of the date of this Order and July 1, 2025.

Remuneration

  1. The members of the Panel, including the Chair, shall be paid such remuneration and expenses as the Lieutenant Governor in Council may determine.
Ministry of Energy and Mines

Approved and Ordered: June 05, 2025