As the electricity demand forecast is anticipated to grow 65% by 2050, the Ontario Energy Board has launched a Centralized Capacity Information Map (CCIM) to support this growth and enable smarter planning.
The CCIM is a powerful tool designed to accelerates project timelines and enable informed energy investment decisions across Ontario. It gives users a high-level view of where there’s available capacity on the province’s electrical for both load and Distributed Energy Resources.
The 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.
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.
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.
The CCIM is designed for anyone planning electricity-related projects in Ontario. Key stakeholders include:
•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.
GrandBridge Energy is committed to facilitating the deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and supporting load customer connections.
In accordance with Ontario Energy Board (OEB) guidelines, GrandBridge Energy’s Capacity Map provides insight into the distribution system’s available capacity at the station and feeder levels, supporting informed decision-making for electric vehicle (EV) charging providers and customers planning new electrical connections.
The electrical load capacity for various sections of the distribution system varies, depending on the equipment installed along the path from the generator to the user. By offering this information in a user-friendly format, we aim to enhance transparency, streamline site selection, and contribute to the efficient expansion of Ontario’s electricity grid.
To request a capacity assessment or if you have questions, please contact Customer Service at [email protected].
