TORONTO — The Ontario government has appointed Geoff Owen as Chair of the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), strengthening the regulator’s leadership at a time when the province is rolling out its first integrated energy plan to meet growing demand and secure long-term affordability.
The announcement, made Friday by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, positions Owen to oversee the OEB as it plays a central role in guiding Ontario’s electricity and natural gas sectors under the government’s Energy for Generations framework.
“Ontario is forging ahead with an ambitious long-term energy plan that keeps costs down as we build the future,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Geoff has the experience and leadership at the OEB to help protect Ontario’s future by ensuring families and businesses can count on reliable, affordable, and clean energy.”
Experienced Leadership
Owen has been part of the OEB since 2021, serving as Vice Chair from 2024 and Acting Chair since April 2025. The province says his regulatory knowledge, combined with a background in business strategy and public affairs, makes him well-suited to steer the regulator through a period of accelerating energy demand and investment.
Prior to joining the Board, Owen held senior leadership positions at the Royal Bank of Canada in regulatory affairs, business strategy, and public affairs. He also served in senior roles across government, experience the province says will be critical in balancing the needs of ratepayers, utilities, and industry stakeholders.
The OEB is Ontario’s independent regulator responsible for setting electricity and natural gas rates, licensing utilities, and providing oversight of the province’s energy sector. As Chair, Owen will help ensure the sector continues to deliver affordable and reliable energy while enabling new infrastructure, technologies, and cleaner generation sources.
Supporting a Growing Province
Ontario’s population and economy are expanding faster than any other jurisdiction in Canada, creating mounting pressure on its electricity grid. Demand is expected to increase as electrification accelerates across transportation, manufacturing, and housing.
The government says the OEB’s role in implementing Energy for Generations will be pivotal. The plan is designed to ensure Ontario maintains reliable and clean energy supply while supporting economic growth and industrial competitiveness. It also outlines measures to build resilience against external market shocks and secure domestic energy independence.
“With clear direction and strong leadership in place, Ontario is not only meeting the energy demands of today: It is building the framework necessary to protect jobs, drive economic growth in communities and deliver energy security for generations to come,” the Ministry of Energy and Mines said in a statement.
The province argues that the framework will help shield households and businesses from price volatility, support new housing and infrastructure projects, and create a foundation for attracting investment from global industries looking for stable and clean energy supplies.
OEB’s Central Role
Under the government’s implementation directive, the OEB will continue to play a central role in enforcing the new framework. This includes regulating how utilities plan and invest in infrastructure, reviewing major energy project proposals, and ensuring utilities meet reliability and customer service standards.
Industry observers note that Ontario’s energy regulator faces challenges balancing affordability with the investments required to modernize the grid. These include expanding transmission lines to connect new generation projects, upgrading aging infrastructure, and integrating renewable and storage technologies.
Owen’s appointment comes at a time when public confidence in regulatory oversight will be critical. His leadership is expected to provide stability as utilities and the province move forward with large-scale projects tied to electrification and economic development.
Background on Geoff Owen
Owen is currently the Principal of Foresight Strategic Advisors, a firm specializing in strategic advice for business and regulatory matters. His tenure at the Royal Bank of Canada included senior roles in regulatory affairs, business strategy, and public affairs, giving him direct experience in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
In addition, Owen has held senior roles within government, experience that is expected to help bridge the gap between policy direction and practical implementation in the energy sector.
Having already served as Vice Chair and Acting Chair of the OEB, Owen is seen as a steady hand with the institutional knowledge to ensure continuity during the implementation of Ontario’s new energy framework.
Looking Forward
Ontario’s energy strategy aims to secure what the government describes as “the strongest economy in the G7” through reliable and affordable energy supply. With the appointment of Owen, the province says it is reinforcing the OEB’s role as a key driver of that vision.
As Chair, Owen will oversee regulatory decisions that affect millions of households and businesses, while ensuring the sector remains resilient, secure, and cost-effective.
The government emphasized that strong regulatory leadership will be essential to protect Ontario’s long-term interests, as the province invests in a self-reliant, affordable, and clean energy system that can support economic growth for decades to come.
