Wind Generation in Ontario Powers New Records

TORONTO, Oct. 28 /CNW/ - Wind output in Ontario reached new highs this week, Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) reported today.

Electricity generation from Ontario's commercial wind farms hit 24,022 megawatt hours (MWh) yesterday - providing almost six per cent of the province's electricity needs and powering nearly 900,000 homes for the day.

"Wind power is an important contributor to Ontario's supply mix," said Bruce Campbell, Vice-President of Resource Integration. "We expect wind generation to triple over the next few years. Integrating wind resources at these unprecedented new levels, while challenging, will be a significant accomplishment in advancing Ontario's clean energy supply."

On October 26, wind generators produced 1,056 megawatts (MW) of electricity - a new record for hourly output. This represents a capacity factor of 91 per cent.

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. To see how wind power is helping to meet Ontario's electricity needs, visit www.ieso.ca/windtracker.

For further information: Alexandra Campbell, 416-506-2806, [email protected]