To support Ontario’s housing development goals, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has introduced a Capacity Allocation Model (CAM), effective September 16, 2025. The CAM provides a structured approach for electricity distributors to plan and allocate system capacity in defined development areas, ensuring timely and cost-effective connections for new residential and mixed-use developments.
Developed in consultation with stakeholders and guided by government direction, the CAM enables:
- Proactive system expansion planning based on municipal growth forecasts.
- Fair cost allocation among connecting customers over a 15-year term.
- Financing mechanisms that protect ratepayers while encouraging early developer commitments.
The CAM is a key step toward removing barriers to housing development and ensuring equitable access to electricity infrastructure.
Appendix I of the Distribution System Code sets out the methodology for implementing the Capacity Allocation Model (CAM), including rules for capacity forecasting, cost allocation, customer contributions, and transparency requirements.
In order to facilitate transparency in capacity forecasting, Alectra Utilities provides the following information pertaining to typical demand values for residential building types, which may be of assistance as developers consider their planned projects.
Typical Demand Values for Residential Building Types
| Table Cell Value
Home Type and Size
|
Table Cell Value
Cooling (A/C)
|
Table Cell Value
Heating
|
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
Table Cell Value
kW
|
|
Table Cell Value
Hybrid Heat Pump (kW)
|
Table Cell Value
Heat Pump with Supplementary Heating (kW)
|
||
| Table Cell Value
Condo
|
Table Cell Value
1.60
|
|
Table Cell Value
1.75
|
Table Cell Value
2.75
|
||
| Table Cell Value
Townhouse
|
Table Cell Value
1.85
|
|
Table Cell Value
4.50
|
Table Cell Value
6.00
|
||
| Table Cell Value
Semi Detached/Detached
|
Table Cell Value
2.50
|
|
Table Cell Value
6.00
|
Table Cell Value
13.00
|
||