OEB Innovation Sandbox Structure & Lessons Learned
The OEB Innovation Sandbox, launched in mid-January 2019, offers support for pilots of innovative products, services, and business models. It facilitates open dialogue between the OEB and the sector, providing valuable insights for policymaking. With a dedicated internal staff team and no dedicated funding, it has handled 32 enquiries in total, ensuring prompt meetings within specified timeframes. This initiative has proven beneficial for both regulators and industry players, fostering collaboration and fostering a conducive environment for experimentation.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
OEB Innovation Sandbox Structure and Lessons Learned Rachele Levin CAMPUT - July 8, 2020
Overview Background Structure of OEB Sandbox Overview of first year and a half Common themes Lessons learned July 8, 2020 2
Background Genesis of Innovation Sandbox Challenges in identifying or isolating the particular barriers distributors perceive Low uptake of existing enabling policies that involve a departure from status quo In developing the Sandbox, held two stakeholder meetings to get input on: What challenges does industry face? How can regulators help? Is a regulatory sandbox the best solution? If so, what features should it have? July 8, 2020 3
Sandbox structure Sandbox support for pilots of innovative products, services, and business models includes: Informal discussion and guidance from cross-functional staff team Ability to request temporary regulatory relief Five eligibility criteria, including requirement for demonstrable value to consumers No dedicated funding Enquiries can be made at any time no pre-set application window Commitment to initial meeting within 20 days of request and relief (if required) within 185 days July 8, 2020 4
Internal staff team Sandbox has internal staff team made up of 6 staff members from across the OEB, including Legal Applications Consumer policy Industry policy Licensing Strategic policy Proponents have access to a wide range of expertise July 8, 2020 5
Stats: the first year and a half Sandbox launched mid-January 2019 32 Sandbox enquiries in total 100% of meetings were held within 20 day metric or within a date requested by the proponent Proponents include a mix of private companies, electricity distributors and natural gas distributors 25/32 meetings were purely informational in nature July 8, 2020 6
Benefits and Challenges Benefits Has allowed for open, unstructured dialogue between OEB and sector Provides insight to inform broader policy-making Provides a view into the regulated and non-regulated parts of the industry Proponents appear to appreciate the streamlined process and ability for open dialogue Challenges Process is still new In some cases, proposals relate to regulatory requirements for which the OEB does not have the authority to provide relief July 8, 2020 7
