Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

The IESO is preparing for its annual Capacity Auction, a key balancing tool to secure the electricity capacity needed to meet Ontario’s short-term resource adequacy needs. Enhancements have been introduced over time to attract a broader mix of resources, increase competition and incent greater resource and market performance. The IESO is raising its Capacity Auction targets for the summer 2025 and winter 2025-26 obligation periods to 1,600 megawatts (MW) and 1,000 MW, respectively. This will help meet electricity demand that is forecast to increase about three per cent in 2025 as a result of the addition of large industrial loads to the grid, increasing electrification throughout the economy and a slowing inflation rate. In addition to creating a new revenue stream for businesses, the auction enables participants to contribute to the reliability, affordability and sustainability of Ontario’s power system. Capacity suppliers interested in participating in the IESO’s 2024 Capacity Auction should begin the market registration process and submit a capacity qualification request by Friday, Sept. 27. For more information on how to begin qualifying, please contact Capacity.Auction@ieso.ca.

Thank you to the National Electricity Roundtable for hosting this discussion and inviting Alex Foord to provide the IESO’s perspective on the emergence of AI of what it means for the future of Ontario’s electricity system. AI has a number of potential end-uses that could improve reliability and affordability. There are also cyber-security risks involved that could threaten critical infrastructure and interfere with electricity system operations.   At the IESO, we are deploying an AI and machine learning strategy, that focuses on people, technology, processes and controls. It is formalizing the identification of pilots and software solutions that draw upon industry best practices and insights of other electricity system operators to evaluate, prepare and capitalize on the safe integration of AI tools into future grid operations.   Thank you to all of the other panelists for their insights Adnan Chaudhry Keith Hemingway Lenore V. Robson, MA, MBA, CPA, CMA. Michelle Branigan And thank you to moderator Ahmed Hanafy.

The Ontario heatwave this week is over with demand reaching its highest point on Wednesday, the second highest annual peak in the last ten years. Ontario’s electricity grid stayed reliable throughout with adequate supply, imports and reserves in place. Every megawatt counts during a heatwave and Ontario benefited from its diverse supply mix to keep the electricity system reliable as well as imports and various demand response resources like the Industrial Conservation Initiative and the Save on Energy Peak Perks program. Summer is just beginning and we are sure to have more hot days ahead. Ontario’s electricity system is ready to meet the challenge. For more on how Ontario’s electricity system is prepared for the summer, read the Reliability Outlook. https://lnkd.in/eriwmMV For data on Ontario's electricity system, visit https://lnkd.in/gEwAAgdg

The IESO is fortunate to have longstanding relationships with many Indigenous communities across the province and is proud to support and celebrate their leadership this National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Ontario’s electricity system is prepared for this summer season and is expected to have adequate supply and reserves over the next 18 months. Today, the IESO released its latest Reliability Outlook which assesses the reliability of Ontario’s electricity system over the near term. Electricity demand in Ontario is projected to increase one per cent in 2024, increasing to 2.9 per cent in 2025 because of the addition of large industrial loads to the grid, increasing electrification throughout the economy and a slowing inflation rate. During the Outlook period, the IESO will be able to call on a variety of resources to support reliability. This includes supply acquired through the annual Capacity Auction and recent procurements, such as the Oneida energy storage project, coming online. The IESO also expects to access 2,000 MW of imports from neighbouring jurisdictions, if needed. Read the Reliability Outlook. https://lnkd.in/eriwmMV

The summer season is almost here and Ontario’s electricity system is ready. The IESO’s latest Reliability Outlook will be coming out later this week, showing the electricity system has adequate supply to power the air conditioners that will keep Ontarians cool. Thanks to Ontario’s diverse supply mix, the system is prepared for heat waves or extreme weather conditions. This includes resources acquired through our annual Capacity Auction and demand response tools at our disposal, such as Peak Perks and the Industrial Conservation Initiative. For real-time information on how power is being used in Ontario, please visit our Power Data webpage: https://ieso.ca/power-data.

Municipalities are on the frontline of the energy transformation, playing an influential role supporting the expansion of Ontario’s electricity system. More electricity is needed to enable the strong economic development happening in communities across the province. The IESO was at the AMCTO conference this past week to discuss the crucial role of municipalities in the rapidly changing electricity sector landscape. To learn more about how municipalities are helping to advance, manage and shape the energy transformation, visit the AMCTO online newsletter https://lnkd.in/gPm3egWC

The IESO’s President and CEO, Lesley Gallinger, is addressing the Empire Club of Canada tomorrow on The Great Energy Transition and what it means for the future of our communities, economy and society. This will be followed by a panel made-up of thought leaders from the generation and distribution sectors to provide their views on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. For more information, and to register, see below.

Ontario’s electricity system is changing in ways that make grid operations more innovative, reliable and affordable. Underpinning many of these changes are Ontario’s electricity markets and the rules and processes that enable the participation of transmitters, generators, distributors and customers in the sector. The work of the Technical Panel is crucial to evolving Ontario’s electricity markets in a way that delivers ratepayer value, while ensuring the continued reliability of the electricity system.   The IESO is seeking a candidate to join the Technical Panel representing the Market Participant Consumer constituency. The successful candidate will be asked to review and advise on technical information as it relates to the completeness and accuracy of proposed market rule amendments, bring the unique perspectives of the broader market participant consumer sector and contribute valuable input to the implementation of IESO-led programs and initiatives.    If you, or someone you know, would be a good fit for this role, submit a resume to engagement@ieso.ca and download a nomination form at https://lnkd.in/gkeHQ4tT

Ontario faces the dual challenge of decarbonizing and growing our electricity system. It is a challenge faced by every province and territory across the country - and that’s why I was pleased to join my colleagues on the Canada Electricity Advisory Council, which released its final report today. The Council was convened by Jonathan Wilkinson, the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, to provide advice on critical changes needed to support Canada’s transition to a net zero electricity grid. During my time on the Council, I learned that despite the unique attributes of each province’s and territory’s electricity system, we are all in agreement on the cornerstones of success that will define the energy transition. Most notably, the speed at which new infrastructure is sited, approved and built must accelerate, and in a carefully managed way that minimizes costs, protects reliability and includes Indigenous participation. The Council has made a number of recommendations to accomplish these goals, including a call for greater flexibility in the draft Clean Electricity Regulations, proposed changes to Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credits, and unanimous support for the Indigenous Loan Guarantee program, among others. To ensure an orderly energy transition that benefits all Canadians equally, collaboration will be essential in the years ahead. We must work together, adapt to the changing environment and build at the right pace in keeping with our future needs. The full report is available for download at: https://lnkd.in/gUUv29BQ