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The first of two mechanisms designed to enhance reliability this summer is set to launch later this week, reported the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
The Day-Ahead Commitment Process (DACP) is expected to reduce the failure of energy imports in real time and increase commitment certainty for domestic generators with long start-up times. Committing resources a day-ahead will improve the ability of the IESO and its market participants to address system needs without the use of emergency actions. The DACP will be launched on May 31 in advance of the June 1 trade date.
The second mechanism, called the Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP) which is to be implemented later in June, provides incentives to customers who reduce their electricity consumption or use backup generation when the supply-demand situation is tight. The first three organizations to join the program are Flakeboard Company Ltd., Georgia Pacific Canada Inc. and Toronto Hydro-Electric System.
"I would like to thank these organizations for their leadership by contributing in this way to the reliability of the power system," said Dave Goulding, IESO President and CEO. "Over the coming months, we expect additional companies to join this important initiative to enhance reliability during emergency conditions."
More than 600 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear, gas and hydroelectric generation have come on-line over the last year, including Unit 1 at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (515 MW), the Greater Toronto Airports Authority's gas-fired cogeneration units (117 MW) and the Glen Miller hydroelectric facility (8 MW). Three new wind farms at the Kingsbridge, Port Burwell and Amaranth sites totalling 195 MW have also been added to the system.
In addition, transmission capability into the Greater Toronto Area has been improved since last summer and transmission upgrades and changes underway or planned will increase the capability to import power from other jurisdictions.
"Over the past year, the IESO has worked with stakeholders on a number of market and reliability measures to enhance the power system's ability to withstand high-demand periods more effectively than in the summer of 2005," said Goulding.
Despite the enhancements over the past year, there are expected to be periods again this summer when Ontario will need to import power to maintain a reliable supply.
The IESO is responsible for managing Ontario's bulk electricity system and operating the wholesale electricity market.
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