Renewable Generation in Ontario Accelerates Strongly

New Wind Projects Expected in the Coming Months

TORONTO, Dec. 3 /CNW/ - The integration of large volumes of renewable supply is contributing to a broad and sweeping transformation of Ontario's power system, said the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in its latest 18-Month Outlook.

Ontario's supply outlook going forward remains positive. Wind and solar are becoming increasingly important contributors to Ontario's supply mix, with significantly more projects scheduled for completion beyond the 18-month timeframe of this report.

This quarterly report indicates the year 2012 will be a real watershed in the evolution of the provincial grid. Current projections for 2012 indicate new renewable resources will come into service at a rate of about 200 megawatts (MW) per month. From December 2010 until May 2012, about 1,700 MW of new generation is expected to come online, with associated transmission and distribution system upgrades and enhancements. 

Of the 1,700 MW of new supply, almost 1,000 MW represent renewable resources, bringing total grid-connected renewables to nearly 2,200 MW. Over the same period, approximately 1,400 MW of additional renewables will be connected to Ontario's distribution systems, bringing total distribution-connected renewables to about 2,100 MW.

The planned deregistration of four coal-fired units went ahead as scheduled this fall with no adverse consequences to the Ontario grid. As noted in the Government of Ontario's recently released Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP), two additional units at the Nanticoke generating station will be shut down in 2011.

"The IESO is already preparing for tomorrow's renewable future," said Bruce Campbell, Vice President of Resource Integration at Ontario's IESO. "We are focused on integrating renewables in a way that supports the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the power system at all times."

Conservation measures, embedded generation and time-of-use electricity rates will act to reduce peak demands. Energy consumption, on the other hand, will remain virtually flat in 2011 before showing a small increase in 2012, with increases of 0.1% and 0.6% respectively.

The IESO regularly assesses the adequacy and reliability of Ontario's power system. The 18-Month Outlook is issued on a quarterly basis and is available at www.ieso.ca/18-month.outlook.

The IESO is responsible for managing Ontario's bulk electricity power system and operating the wholesale market. For more information, please visit www.ieso.ca.

For further information:

Alexandra Campbell
416-506-2806