Ontario grid operator predicts glut of renewables

• 10 years ago (2014-03-02)
• Junior Isles

North America 1021

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Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has said in a report that it anticipates about 3100 MW of new generation coming online over the next 18 months, almost all of which will be renewable generation.

The IESO’s report also states that it expects the province to have enough capacity to meet summer power demand even with the retirement of nearly 2000 MW of coal-fired generation in December.

The report also forecasts that demand for power will remain flat over the next 18 months, with demand management, conservation and distributed generation offsetting the effects of economic and population growth.

The IESO claims that demand management measures, such as compensating consumers who lower consumption, can reduce peak usage by an average of 1200 MW.

The IESO predicts that Ontario’s distributed generation would nearly double over the next 18 months to about 2500 MW.