Northern Ontario Bulk Planning

The IESO has launched a Northern Ontario Bulk Planning initiative to actively involve stakeholders and communities in shaping the future of Ontario's transmission system. The engagement's ultimate purpose is to proactively develop a Northern Ontario bulk transmission plan that fosters reliable electricity supply and supports the region's economic growth objectives.

As identified in the province’s Powering Ontario’s Growth report, there is a need to assess the bulk transmission system to unlock new opportunities for growth in Northern Ontario.

The bulk plan will assesses the transmission system’s ability in northern Ontario to flow power north and south in support of both new loads and new generation in the study area.

With the formalization of the Bulk System Planning Process in 2022, the IESO is enhancing transparency and creating opportunities for input from communities and sector participants as an important part of individual bulk system studies.

The IESO is actively engaging with stakeholders and communities to shape the future of Ontario's energy transmission system in the study area.

Participant involvement during the various study phases will ensure views and preferences are considered throughout the planning process. This inclusive approach helps establish a strong foundation for successful implementation, enabling a sustainable energy plan that can adapt to future electricity demands. To learn more, please contact the IESO at engagement@ieso.ca.

Related Information

Annual Planning Outlooks

IESO's Regional Electricity Planning

Southwest Bulk Electricity Planning

Related Engagements

Central-West Bulk Planning

Formalizing the Integrated Bulk System Planning Process

Schedule of Activities

Anticipated timing for this engagement is presented below.

Date	Engagement Activity	Expected Actions
June 19, 2025	Feedback due on the items discussed during the May 29th engagement session.
May 29, 2025	Public Engagement Webinar The IESO will provide sector participants and Ontario communities with an update on the Bulk Planning initiatives underway. Part 1 Presentation Part 2 Presentation The webinar will be broken-up intro two parts: Part 1 May 29 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: During this session the IESO will provide an overview of Bulk Transmission Planning, introduce the North of Sudbury Bulk Plan, share updates on the progress of the Northern Ontario Bulk Plan, the Eastern Ontario Bulk Plan and the Ontario-Manitoba Intertie Joint Study, seek feedback and answer questions. ⁠Part 2 May 29 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: During this sessions the IESO will share preliminary portfolios of transmission options as part of the South and Central Bulk Study to support future generation connections and demand growth in key areas throughout southern and central Ontario, including the GTA, and to enable a decarbonized power system in the future, seek feedback and answer questions.	Recorded Presentation - Part 1 Recorded Presentation - Part 2
December 6, 2024	Feedback due on the items discussed during the November 20th engagement session. Canadian Renewable Energy Association Energy Storage Canada Red Sky Métis Independent Nation April 15, 2025: IESO Response to Feedback
November 20, 2024	Public Engagement Webinar The IESO will provide sector participants and Ontario communities with an update on the active Bulk Planning initiatives underway. Presentation Feedback Form	Recorded Presentation This webinar was presented during the IESO's November stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information.
October 15, 2024	Feedback due following the September 24, 2024 engagement session. Feedback Received: ESC OPG OWA TCE November 19, 2024: IESO Response to Feedback
September 24, 2024	Public Engagement Webinar Presentation Feedback Form	Recorded Presentation This webinar was presented during the IESO's September stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information.
July 31, 2024	Feedback due following the July 10, 2024 Indigenous Relations Webinar. Feedback Received: Territorial Planning Unit (TPU) of Grand Council Treaty #3 (GCT3)
July 10, 2024	Indigenous Relations Webinar: Bulk Transmission Planning Session on 1) South and Central and 2) Northern Ontario bulk studies This webinar will provide participants with information about the South and Central and Northern Ontario bulk studies, including its scope, objectives and timeline. Presentation Feedback Form	Recorded Presentation
July 10, 2024	Feedback due following the June 19, 2024 engagement session. Feedback Received: Greater Sudbury Utilities TC Energy April 15, 2025: IESO Response to Feedback
June 19, 2024	Public Engagement Session: Bulk Transmission Planning Session on 1) South and Central and 2) Northern Ontario bulk studies This public webinar will provide participants with information about the South and Central and Northern Ontario bulk studies, including its scope, objectives and timeline. Presentation Feedback Form	Recorded Presentation This webinar was presented during the IESO's June stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information.