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COVID-19 impacts on Ontario's electricity system

April 30, 2020

In a webinar with stakeholders and market participants last week, the IESO provided insight into the impacts of COVID-19 on electricity demand and system operations. Ontario’s grid continues to operate reliably throughout the pandemic, thanks to close coordination with generators, transmitters, distributors and our North American counterparts.

The materials, recorded presentation, data tables and written responses to questions not addressed verbally at last week’s webinar are now posted. Any outstanding questions will be addressed in the coming days. Registration is now open for the next COVID-19 webinar on May 20.

The IESO has also published an infographic showing how overall electricity patterns, including different sectors, have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out the full infographic.

How COVID-19 has impacted electricity use in Ontario. In the morning, electricity use ramps up more slowly as there's no morning commute to rush out for. 14% more electricity use in the residential sector, during the core hours of 11 am - 7 pm. 13-26% reduction in electricity use from transmission-connected customers. 80% of commercial sector estimated to be using less electricity. 10-12% overall lower energy consumption, equivalent to half the demand of Toronto.

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