Ontario Seeks Comment on its Long-Term Energy Plan

The Government of Ontario's Ministry of Energy released its Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) on November 23, 2010. It provides the government's proposal for meeting the province's energy needs over the next 20 years. Much of the policy and initiatives contained in the LTEP are affirmations of previous announcements; however, there is some additional clarification and guidance provided.

The LTEP proposes a diverse supply mix including an increase in the target for wind, solar and bio-energy from 10% by 2030 to about 13% by 2018. It maintains the province's commitment to eliminating coal plants by 2014. A draft supply mix directive to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has been posted to the Environmental Registry (EBR Registry Number - 011-170) where it will remain for a 45-day comment period. Interested parties have until January 7, 2011 to submit comments or ask questions.

Following the closing of the comment period, the Ministry of Energy will issue a formal supply mix directive to the OPA, which will form the basis for a new Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP). During a recent public OPA Management teleconference on December 3, senior OPA executives indicated the step after that would be public hearings with the ultimate objective of publishing the IPSP in August 2011.