Emerging technologies are transforming how electricity is generated, stored, and used. This has opened possibilities for a broader range of resources to support Ontario’s energy needs, which could increase market competition and provide new revenue streams for customers.
Key emerging resources like energy storage, hybrid facilities, and distributed energy resources (DERs) face operational barriers that limit their efficient participation in Ontario’s electricity markets.
The Enabling Resources Program (ERP) is removing barriers by updating the IESO’s systems, processes, and market rules to enhance the way these resources participate in the electricity market while supporting the IESO’s core strategy to advance reliability and cost-effectiveness in an evolving system.
Make it easier for storage to participate in IESO markets by treating it as one flexible resource, rather than a separate “load” and “supply” to simplify how storage interacts with the electricity market.
Give the IESO’s control room insight into how much storage is available at any given time, helping operators schedule resources more accurately and issue dispatch instructions that reflect what storage can deliver.
Enable storage to provide valuable grid services, including frequency regulation and expanded operating reserve capabilities, unlocking more ways for storage providers to contribute to the electricity system.
Distributed Energy Resources
Increase the number of DERs that can support Ontario’s energy needs, by enabling aggregations of at least 1 MW in size to participate in IESO markets.
Improve data sharing and coordination between the IESO, local distribution companies (LDCs), and DER providers, helping everyone plan, operate, and integrate DERs more effectively.
The ERP complements other IESO programs and procurements to harness the full potential of DERs and storage to support Ontario’s energy needs to:
Lower costs over time by increasing competition
Strengthen reliability by improving the way storage and DERs interact with Ontario’s electricity markets
Unlock new opportunities for homes and businesses to become more active partners in the electricity sector.
Get Involved
Sign-up for public webinars to learn more about the ERP and provide feedback by visiting the following pages:
