Ontario Regulation 350/23, made under the Electricity Act of 1998, amends Ontario Regulation 509/18, which sets forth energy and water efficiency standards for appliances and products. This regulation introduces various updates designed to improve energy efficiency standards and align provincial regulations with national guidelines.

One of the key amendments includes the explicit incorporation of appliances and products governed by the Energy Efficiency Regulations (Canada) into Subsection 1 (1) of Regulation 509/18. This integration creates a clearer framework for compliance with national standards, ensuring that Ontario’s regulations are consistent with federal requirements. Additionally, the regulation modifies existing schedules to specify that certain sections apply only to schedules 1 through 8, thus excluding Schedule 9, which addresses the new standards. This adjustment clarifies the applicability of the regulation’s provisions to various types of appliances.

The introduction of Schedule 9, which outlines specific efficiency standards and requirements for appliances manufactured on or after January 1, 2024. This schedule provides detailed descriptions, testing standards, and energy efficiency requirements, ensuring that newer models meet stringent performance criteria. Furthermore, several existing provisions are amended to replace references to “or later” with specific dates, indicating that certain standards apply only to appliances manufactured up to December 31, 2024.

The regulation also revokes specific paragraphs within Schedule 3, streamlining the regulatory framework and removing potentially outdated requirements. It elaborates on testing procedures for certain appliances, including distribution transformers, stipulating that manufacturers must adhere to either U.S. Department of Energy standards or Canadian Standards Association standards, depending on the timing and method of compliance.

The regulation affects various categories of heating and water heating appliances, including gas and oil-fired furnaces and boilers, electric furnaces and boilers, gas-fired and oil-fired water heaters, and electric water heaters. Each of these categories has specific manufacturing dates and corresponding efficiency requirements outlined in the newly introduced Schedule 9.

By aligning provincial standards with national regulations, the government aims to promote higher efficiency levels and support sustainability initiatives. The regulation intends to clarify existing standards and introduces new requirements for manufacturers, with the goal of fostering an environment that prioritizes energy conservation and environmental responsibility.

Ontario (350/23) December 16, 2023