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ARTICLE · 08 NOVEMBER 2019

Smart Metering Entity Not Permitted To Sell Customer Data To Third Parties At Market Prices

Aird & Berlis LLP
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The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) recently rejected an application by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), in its capacity as the provincial Smart Metering Entity

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Zoë Thoms
Zoë Thoms
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The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) recently rejected an application by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), in its capacity as the provincial Smart Metering Entity, to sell non-personal data about electricity usage to third parties at market prices.

In 2007, following the installation of smart meters across Ontario, the IESO was designated as the Smart Metering Entity (SME). The SME collects electricity consumption data from more than 4 million smart meters, which is then used by distributors to bill customers.

Section 53.8 of the Electricity Act, 1998 sets out the objectives of the SME, which includes providing and promoting non-discriminatory access by distributors, retailers, the IESO and other persons to data related to the metering of consumers' consumption or use of electricity in Ontario. The SME is required to recover, through just and reasonable rates, the costs and an appropriate return approved by the OEB associated with the conduct of its

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