IESO York Region Non Wires Alternatives Demonstration Project
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
- Non-Wires Alternatives Using Energy and Capacity Markets
- Development of a Transmission-Distribution Interoperability Framework
- YRDemo.com
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.
Schedule of Activities
| Timing |
Engagement Activity |
Webinar Registration and Recordings |
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November 2020 |
Local capacity auction |
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October 13, 2020 |
Final standard Contract: |
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September 23, 2020
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Initial registration is now open
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Interested parties are encouraged to visit the registration website at YRDemo.com Initial registration deadline is October 28, 2020. |
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September 14, 2020
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Final Demonstration Project Rules posted: |
Potential participants and other interested parties can submit feedback on the contract by referencing sections and sending an email with comments, or by adding comments directly to the document. Please send to engagement@ieso.ca by September 28, 2020.
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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. |
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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