Why does the GTA need electricity plans?
Regional planning is a key part of the IESO’s work to provide Ontarians with reliable and affordable electricity service today and for the future.
Each area in the province uses electricity differently. For example, some regions experience demand peaks at different times of day; some have more industry, more people; and others might be more rural. Understanding these differences is a critical part of the planning process.
Ontario is currently attracting significant business investments from around the world and our economy and population is growing. Companies with data centres are particularly interested in locating in the GTA to take advantage of our clean grid and robust telecommunications infrastructure. These new facilities will require significant amounts of power from the grid.
The challenges of building supply in the GTA
Most of the electricity consumed in the GTA is brought in from generation facilities across the province.
Ideally, it is best to have electricity produced near to where it is used. However, in the densely built communities of the GTA, there are fewer options to site new generation.
As a result, the GTA will continue to rely on power from other parts of the province, like the Bruce nuclear station, the Beck hydroelectric facility in Niagara and the Darlington nuclear units.
We also need to look at the impact of reducing reliance on the four existing natural gas power plants within the GTA. Currently, these facilities are key to maintaining overall reliability of the grid – both within the GTA and beyond. They are also particularly critical in meeting peak demand on hot summer days.
What's needed to supply the GTA's future needs
As the most populous part of the province with the highest demand for electricity, most of Ontario’s transmission lines lead into the GTA. These lines bring in supply from across the province and within the GTA to serve the many communities in the region.
While there are some natural gas generators within the GTA, most of the region’s power comes from other parts of the province. This means it’s important to consider how the province’s electricity grid supports the GTA.
The difference between provincial and regional planning
Having a regional perspective helps to identify where there could be opportunities to build new electricity generation and transmission infrastructure.
As we prepare electricity plans within the GTA, we are considering two things at the same time:
Provincial Planning: focuses on what is happening at a broader level that could impact the GTA and vice versa. As the province retires old generation such as the Pickering Nuclear Station and builds new generation such as a new small nuclear reactor in Darlington, the IESO looks at the impact that this will have on the system. We will also look what steps will need to be taken to reduce our reliance on natural gas generation.
Regional planning: considers the electricity needs within the four planning areas within the GTA. For planning purposes, the Greater Toronto Area is made up of four regions - West, North, the city of Toronto and East. These plans look at specific needs within each community.
Learn more
If you live or work in the GTA, the IESO offers more information about the region’s electricity needs. Learn more about the IESO’s planning process.