Distribution System Capacity Map

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) announced a phased approach to providing customers with access to electricity distribution capacity maps.

In response to the November 2023 Letter of Direction, the OEB is implementing the Distribution System Capacity Information Map – Phase 1 (EB-2019-0207). This initiative allows customers to access real-time information on available system capacity at stations and feeders, improving transparency and planning for energy needs.

What is it?

The Distribution System Capacity Information Map is a tool developed to help Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) share data on their electrical systems’ available capacity, including substations and feeders.

Why is it important?

By providing open access to capacity information, this initiative benefits customers such as:

Electric Vehicle (EV) charging providers – helping them identify optimal locations for new charging stations
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) developers – supporting informed decisions on where to deploy energy storage, solar, or other distributed energy solutions

With this data, stakeholders can plan efficiently, optimize infrastructure investments, and enhance the reliability of the electrical grid.

PUC System Available Load Capacity Map PUC Capacity Map Disclaimer

Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM)

The Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM) is an online tool created by the OEB to give users a high-level view of where there’s available capacity on Ontario’s electricity distribution systems. In simple terms, it helps users see two main things:

Available load capacity: The ability to serve new or expanded electricity demand.
Available hosting capacity for DERs: The ability to connect new projects like solar panels, wind turbines, or battery storage.

Indemnification: Customers agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless PUC Distribution Inc., its affiliates, officers, employees, and contractors from any third-party claims, demands, losses, damages, or liabilities (including legal fees) arising from or related to the customer’s actions related to the Load Capacity Map, regardless of whether PUC Distribution Inc. is found negligent, grossly negligent, or otherwise at fault.

Launch Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM)

What is the intended use of the CCIM?

The CCIM is a planning aid, designed for early-stage screening. Users can use the tool to quickly check which areas might be suitable for their project before contacting a distributor. The map shows capacity in broad ranges and reflects system conditions at the time distributors submitted their data. It’s not a substitute for detailed assessments, as conditions can change and every project has unique requirements.

What is the difference between the available load capacity and the available DER hosting capacity map environments?

The CCIM provides two distinct map environments because they serve different purposes:

The Available Load Capacity map environment shows areas of the electricity distribution system that can accommodate new customer loads—such as housing developments, commercial buildings, or industrial facilities—without requiring major system upgrades. This helps businesses and developers identify locations where connecting new demand is likely to be simpler and faster.
The Available DER Hosting Capacity map environment focuses on the ability of the grid to integrate DERs like solar panels, battery storage or other generation facilities. It highlights where the system is expected to be able to host additional generation without causing reliability or safety issues. Data is provided for a range of typical project types, such as inverter- or non-inverter based installations, as well as for projects designed only to displace a customer’s load rather than inject power.

Both map environments are intended for preliminary screening only and do not replace any formal connection application or Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) process. They provide early insights to help users plan projects and reduce uncertainty before engaging in detailed engineering studies.

Which stakeholders would benefit from using the CCIM?

- Project developers and businesses looking to identify areas where new or expanded electricity demand can be connected easily.
- Renewable energy and DER developers assessing where solar, wind, or battery projects can be hosted without major grid upgrades.
- Municipal planners and consultants seeking high-level capacity insights for community growth or electrification strategies.
- Large energy consumers evaluating suitable locations for new facilities.

The CCIM provides early-stage screening to reduce uncertainty before engaging distributors for detailed assessments.