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Ontario's electricity supply situation for the next 18 months remains very strong, said the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in its latest 18-Month Outlook.
The expected completion of two Bruce nuclear unit refurbishments and the addition of approximately 800 megawatts (MW) of renewable generation are contributing to this positive supply outlook, which will see nearly 2,300 MW of generation added to the grid. In addition, the anticipated removal of two additional Nanticoke units later in 2011 will bring Ontario more than halfway to eliminating coal-fired generation by the end of 2014.
"System reliability looks healthy over the next 18 months," said Bruce Campbell, Vice President of Resource Integration at Ontario's IESO. "Ontario's power system is in good shape, with ample new and refurbished generation, a transmission system undergoing improvements, and a consumer base becoming more engaged."
Conservation programs, embedded generation and time-of-use rates should keep peak demand fairly flat throughout the forecast. Overall electricity consumption, on the other hand, is expected to show a modest increase of 0.7 per cent in 2011 and 1.4 per cent in 2012.
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.
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