The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the heart of Ontario’s power system ensuring there is enough power to keep the lights on, today and into the future.
After years of strong supply, Ontario is entering a
period of growing supply needs. To ensure the province’s electricity system can
meet these needs, the IESO forecasts
Ontario’s electricity demand, evaluates the system’s ability to meet that
demand, plans new infrastructure projects and secures new electricity supply.
Forecasting Ontario's Energy Needs
The IESO uses forecasts to inform future infrastructure planning and supply procurement. These forecasts consider many variables, including:
The impact weather could have on demand
The sector’s ability to make - and deliver - enough power to Ontario’s communities
Future electricity demand drivers, such as the opening of new manufacturing plants, electric vehicle uptake and economic sector growth
These forecasts are regularly updated as new information becomes available to signal new project and investment opportunities.
Planning Electricity System Infrastructure
The IESO plans and coordinates the construction of Ontario's high-voltage transmission lines that transport electricity from suppliers to Ontario's communities. This includes:
Coordination between local, regional and provincial electricity system planning
Engagement with Indigenous communities, municipalities, individuals and business groups
Integration of different forms of electricity supply, weighing the best mix of available options to ensure affordability and reliability
Securing New Energy Supply
When procuring new resources, the
IESO considers a number of factors, including:
The cost-effectiveness of different resources and their ability to compete in Ontario's electricity markets
The risks, requirements and timelines for developing new equipment and infrastructure
The flexibility of different resources to adapt to evolving system needs
