Sector Evolution
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have emerged as a major trend impacting the electricity grid and wholesale electricity markets. The IESO understands that effectively enabling DERs will provide significant benefits to the electricity grid, to consumers, and to the environment. The IESO is thus seeking to gain a better understanding of DERs, including their ability deliver system services, their cost effectiveness, and the most appropriate pathways to enable their uptake.
To help inform our path forward in enabling DERs, the IESO has commissioned a DER Potential Study. The primary objectives of the study are to determine the types and volumes of DERs that exist and can be expected to emerge in Ontario over a 10-year timeframe (from 2023-2032), as well as identify the potential for these resources to provide wholesale electricity services. The study will include:
At the conclusion of the study, the IESO intends to have a sense of the volume of DERs and a quantification of their potential contributions to each of energy, capacity, operating reserve and regulation service, as well as their associated carbon emissions reductions. The findings of the DER Potential study will be a key input into the IESO’s DER market enhancement efforts which will begin in October, 2021 as part of the DER Roadmap.
The IESO intends to use the results of the study for the following purposes:
The IESO encourages all interested parties to participate in this engagement. The IESO anticipates that this initiative will be of particular interest to current and prospective market participants, resource developers, DER technology and service providers, municipalities and Local Distribution Companies (LDCs). To be added to the email list for communications related to this engagement or to submit comments and enquiries, please email engagement@ieso.ca.
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Roadmap
Demand Response Working Group (DRWG)
Distributed Energy Resources Survey
Expanding Participation in Operating Reserve and Energy (EPOR-E)
IESO York Region Non Wires Alternatives Demonstration Project
Anticipated timing for this engagement is presented below.
Date |
Engagement Activity |
Expected Actions |
January 2024 |
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October 28, 2022 |
The IESO is seeking feedback and welcoming questions in relation to the Ontario DER Potential Study, which was published in-full on September 30, 2022. Feedback Received
March 17, 2023: IESO Response to Stakeholder Feedback |
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September 30, 2022 |
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June 22, 2022 |
Final results:
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This webinar was presented during the IESO's June stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information.
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December 14, 2021 |
Deadline for stakeholder feedback on topics presented at the November 23rd webinar: approach for technical, economic and achievable potential analysis, regional segmentation, market barriers, as well as input on the scenarios. June 16, 2022: IESO Response to Stakeholder Feedback |
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November 23, 2021 |
Engagement webinar The IESO and consultant will present the draft Detailed Project Plan, describing key components of the study including inputs, methodology, scenarios, and underlying assumptions for stakeholder feedback on appropriateness of these key components. A summary of stakeholder feedback and responses received from the September engagement meeting will also be presented. |
This webinar was presented during the IESO's November stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information. |
October 13, 2021 |
Deadline for stakeholder feedback on topics presented at the September 22nd webinar: pre-assessment screening criteria, pre-assessment results and which factors should be varied between scenarios.
November 11, 2021: IESO Response to Stakeholder Feedback |
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September 22, 2021 |
Engagement webinar In this second stakeholder session related to the DER Potential Study, the IESO will introduce the consultant, who will then walk stakeholders through the project plan, covering key projects phases and timelines. Next, the consultant will present the initial assessment of DER technologies recommended for inclusion in the study along with rationale. Lastly, the consultant will outline other parameters and considerations that must be decided upon for the study, such as data requirements and scenarios. Stakeholder input will be welcome through each segment of the session. |
This webinar was presented during the IESO's September stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information. |
August 25, 2021 |
Stakeholder webinar: |