The IESO has developed the Northern Hydro Program (NHP), at the direction of the Minister of Energy, to re contract Ontario’s existing hydroelectric facilities with capacities greater than 10 megawatts. The Program is open to eligible facilities located in Ontario that generate electricity exclusively from waterpower and are directly connected to the IESO controlled grid.
Eligible facilities include merchant hydroelectric facilities, as well as facilities with existing IESO or with Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation contracts that are approaching the end of their contract term, subject to the Program’s eligibility requirements. Facilities must be owned or controlled by the applicant, deliver electricity through a revenue meter to the IESO controlled grid, and not be behind the meter at the contract date.
The Northern Hydro Program provides value for ratepayers by sustaining large, established hydroelectric facilities that contribute to a reliable, clean electricity system in Northern Ontario. The Program offers a stable and reasonable revenue stream to support continued operation and necessary reinvestment, while encouraging efficient operation that responds to electricity system needs.
