Major Projects Identification Committees (MPIC) Process
As Ontario grows, so does the need for affordable and reliable electricity. Understanding when and where major new demand for electricity may materialize is essential for effective long term forecasting and planning. To strengthen that line of sight, the IESO has introduced the Major Projects Identification Committees (MPIC) process.
This voluntary process captures early-stage project and site information, improving visibility into where new demand may emerge, informing electricity system plans and forecasts, and helping developers prepare for a formal grid connection application.
By connecting insights from economic growth opportunities, land use planning, and electricity system needs, the MPIC process helps ensure that all relevant parties are involved in the planning process at the earliest stages and that their feedback is captured in a collaborative manner.
Who’s Involved
Major Project Originators: Any entity that submits major project information to the IESO. This includes project developers looking to build in Ontario, municipalities looking to develop sites, Indigenous communities, local and regional development agencies, electricity distributors, transmitters, and government ministries and agencies.
Major Project Validators: Entities that have relevant information pertaining to projects. This may include provincial ministries and agencies, local distribution companies, transmitters, gas utilities, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, local and regional development agencies, and/or other relevant entities. Major Project Validators will form committees to review major project submissions and verify details.
How it Works
Step 1: Major Project Originators submit project information to the IESO via an online intake form.
Step 2: The IESO reviews submissions.
Step 3: Major Project Originators and the IESO work together to verify project details. During this step the IESO may request additional information and Major Project Originators are invited to provide relevant updates as they arise.
Step 4: The IESO forms committees of Major Project Validators on an as-needed basis to review project information, verify details, and layer on additional insights.
Step 5: A major project list is finalized annually and incorporated into electricity system plans and forecasts.
This process provides early visibility into major projects, giving electricity system planners a clearer picture of when and where electricity will be needed and helping to ensure Ontario’s electricity system is ready to support new investment.
Major Project Intake Form
Looking to build or develop a large (projects of 10MW or greater) site or facility in Ontario? Please complete the major project intake form. Submitting this form establishes early contact with the IESO, brings your project to the attention of the IESO’s planners, and helps prepare you for your grid connection application.
Alignment with Ontario’s Formal Grid Connection Process
The MPIC process takes place before a formal grid connection application - known as a System Impact Assessment (SIA) - is submitted. It does not replace or initiate a System Impact Assessment; it works alongside it to inform planning and forecasts and help project developers navigate Ontario’s grid connection process more efficiently.
This new process will continue to evolve based on lessons learned to ensure it aligns with existing processes and continues to create efficiencies.