More than 1.5 million meters are communicating with the province's Meter Data Management Repository (MDM/R), representing a significant step forward in the province's Smart Meter Initiative. As more and more LDCs complete their smart meter infrastructure build outs, they begin the process of connecting their smart meters to the MDM/R, so that it can receive consumption data from these meters, bundle it and then send it back to the LDC for billing.

With roughly 80 LDCs representing more than 4.5 million individual consumer involved in the smart metering initiative, the task of integrating each LDC system onto the MDM/R requires careful co-ordination and collaboration between the IESO and utility staff. Already almost half of Ontario's LDCs have either completed or begun the process of MDM/R integration.

"Each LDC is adopting technologies and processes that best meet their needs," said Przemek Tomczak, IESO Director - Smart Metering. "We've been working to ensure that the MDM/R supports this diversity. It's important to make sure that we are communicating with the entire LDC community - to understand what each one's plans are and when they will likely be ready to start registering their smart meters onto the MDM/R.

LDCs are required to submit quarterly updates to the Ontario Energy Board, providing baseline plans for smart meter installation, enrolment with the MDM/R and TOU billing in their service areas. These reports are available at the OEB web site and are used to determine what progress is being made to meet the provincial target of 3.6 million consumers on TOU rates by June 2011.

As the interim Smart Metering Entity (SME), the IESO is working to provide LDCs with the support they need to make the transition. Additional staff in registration and training are helping LDCs walk through the many elements of the smart metering initiative. And new communications tools - such as the "Towards Time of Use" weekly e-mail and this new and improved web site - will provide LDCs with a valuable resource as they navigate through the integration process.

"By this time next year, more than 3.5 million Ontarians are expected to be on Time-of-Use rates. Achieving this milestone will require diligent efforts from both LDCs and our SME team," said Tomczak. "Thanks to the many individuals we have worked with over the last few years to get the MDM/R up and running. If your LDC hasn't already talked to us about their schedule for integration call us, so we can work together and determine the best way to fit you into the queue."