Planning Toronto's electricity future for the next 25 years

TORONTO, April 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro is moving forward with plans for the electricity future of central Toronto. Following engagement activities with customers and collaboration with Hydro One Networks Inc. and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the Central Toronto Integrated Regional Resource Plan (IRRP) is now available online. The regional plan outlines steps for maintaining reliable, sustainable and cost-effective electricity service in this area for the next 25 years.

With over one million residents and a thriving economic centre, electricity demand in the Central Toronto area is one of the largest in the province and has grown steadily over the past several years. The Central Toronto IRRP takes a long-term perspective of the area by examining possibilities to meet future electricity needs through conservation, generation, transmission and innovative solutions.

Last fall, Toronto Hydro asked its customers to help shape the development of this electricity system plan. Feedback was gathered through multiple engagement activities, including the production of an online discussion workbook, workshops, open houses, focus groups, webinars and a telephone survey.  The feedback collected during the engagement has been incorporated into the IRRP.

Community engagement will continue following the posting of the IRRP. The Working Group will host an informational webinar to explain the needs in the Central Toronto area and will provide an update on the long-term outlook:

Thursday, May 21 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
http://www.meetview.com/ieso20150521
Local: 416-764-8640
Toll-free: 1-888-239-2037

A Local Advisory Committee (LAC) will also be formed to further examine options and develop plans that reflect local priorities. A LAC for the Central Toronto region is expected to be formed in fall 2015.

+ Click here to view the Central Toronto IRRP and engagement reports.

For further information about the plan and regional planning, visit IESO's Central Toronto Regional Planning web page.

QUICK FACTS AND BACKGROUND

• A Working Group was formed to develop the Central Toronto IRRP, consisting of Toronto Hydro, Hydro One Networks Inc. and the IESO.
• The development of IRRPs is mandated by the Ontario Energy Board and IRRPs are updated every five years or sooner if needed.
• The Central Toronto IRRP is a living document and will change depending on the electricity needs of the area and the feedback from the community.

ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 740,000 customers located in the city of Toronto. It is the largest municipal electricity distribution company in Canada and distributes approximately 18% of the electricity consumed in the province of Ontario.

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SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation

Tori Gass, 416-903-4037, [email protected], 24-hours media line: 416-903-6845