Electricity demand across Ontario is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, driven by economic development, electrification, and population growth. To support this growth, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) requires earlier visibility into emerging major projects and development activity that may impact the electricity system.
As part of Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan (IEP), the IESO has been directed to establish a Major Projects Identification Committees (MPIC) process to support the early identification of major projects and strengthen electricity demand forecasting and system planning.
The MPIC process introduces a structured, voluntary approach that enables project developers, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to share information on proposed projects and site-based development opportunities at an early stage. This information will help the IESO better understand where and when electricity demand may emerge, improving coordination across government, utilities, and planning partners.
Designed to complement existing planning and connection processes, the MPIC process does not replace or delay formal processes such as System Impact Assessments. Instead, it provides a more disciplined and proactive approach to capturing early signals of growth, supporting more informed planning outcomes and helping project proponents prepare for the IESO’s connections processes.
This webpage will outline the MPIC process and opportunities to participate in upcoming engagement activities.
