Sector Evolution
The IESO, with support from Natural Resources Canada, is undertaking a demonstration in York Region to explore market-based approaches to secure energy and capacity services from distributed energy resources (DERs) for local needs, while coordinating across the electricity system. A key objective of the IESO York Region Non Wires Alternatives Demonstration Project is to better understand the potential of using DERs in place of traditional infrastructure by enabling them to operate in real-world applications. The demonstration will leverage both existing and new resources in southern York Region, where electricity demand is growing and is expected to exceed system capability over the next 10 years. The Demonstration Area is identified on this map to assist potential participants. The project is funded through the IESO’s Grid Innovation Fund and Natural Resources Canada, and will be delivered by Alectra Utilities, the local distribution company in York Region.
Development of the project is being informed by two IESO-led white papers, one of which describes how transmission and distribution systems will need to function and interact with each other in a high-DER future. The second paper considers different market-based approaches for procuring DERs, explores how the resources can operate to meet local needs and wholesale market needs, and outlines the coordination required to ensure they can do both without adversely impacting reliability.
The IESO will present and seek feedback on the design of the demonstration including proposed resource eligibility, demonstration timelines, distribution locational marginal pricing, participation rules, and the participation agreement. All comments and enquiries on this engagement can be directed to engagement@ieso.ca.
Related Information
Documents referenced on this page, but not posted, can be obtained by contacting engagement@ieso.ca with a link to the web page that lists the document and advise whether it needs to be provided in an accessible format. Please allow a minimum of one business day for a response.
| Date | Engagement Activity | Webinar Registration and Recordings |
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August 17, 2023 |
Following the July 27th DER Scenarios and Modelling Study engagement webinar, the IESO is seeking feedback on a number of questions related to the Study. Feedback Received |
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July 27, 2023 |
Engagement Webinar: EPRI will present the draft findings of the DER Scenario & Modelling Study as it relates to transmission-distribution coordination in the context of the York Region Non-Wires Alternatives Demonstration. |
This webinar was presented during the IESO's July stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information. |
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October 20-21, 2021 |
Local Capacity Auction (Year 2)
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August 25, 2021 |
Final Demonstration Project Rules (Year 2) posted:
Final standard Contract (Year 2) posted:
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August 25, 2021 |
Initial Registration Open (Year 2) – visit YRDemo.com (microsite discontinued by Alectra Utilities) |
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August 11, 2021 |
IESO is seeking feedback from participants on the Draft Demonstration Project Rules and Draft Standard Contracts. October 26, 2021: IESO Response to Stakeholder Feedback |
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July 20, 2021 |
Public webinar where the IESO and Alectra will provide an overview of the second operational year of the IESO’s York Region Non-Wires Alternative Demonstration Project for prospective participants as well as the broader stakeholder community. The presentation will include a summary of the demonstration to date and will describe the updated draft project rules and contracts for participation, including the newly introduced local reserve service for the upcoming second year and that is complementary to the local capacity and energy services from last year. Stakeholder feedback will be sought on the Demonstration’s design parameters and, with respect to prospective participants, details about their DERs’ characteristics.
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This webinar was presented during the IESO's July stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information. |
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April 14, 2021 |
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November 2020 |
Local capacity auction (Year 1)
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October 13, 2020 |
Final standard Contract (Year 1): |
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September 23, 2020 |
Initial registration is now open (Year 1) |
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September 14, 2020
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Final Demonstration Project Rules (Year 1) posted:
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August 13, 2020 |
IESO is seeking feedback from participants on the Draft Demonstration Project Rules. |
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July 23, 2020 |
Public webinar to present an overview of the draft Demonstration Rules and describe requirements for participants Webinar will also focus on distribution locational marginal pricing (DLMP) to inform stakeholders on the concepts behind the demonstration’s proposed local energy auction price.
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Recorded Presentation This webinar is being presented during the IESO's July stakeholder engagement meetings. See agenda for more information. |
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July 9, 2020
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Development of a Transmission-Distribution Interoperability Framework Download a copy. |
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June 1, 2020 |
Non-Wires Alternatives Using Energy and Capacity Markets white paper Download a copy. |
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January 10, 2020 |
Stakeholder feedback due on materials presented at December 12th meeting
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December 12, 2019 |
Public webinar
Draft white papers:
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