Three Ontario utilities to use FlexNet smart metering

TTC Winter E-Bike and E-Scooter Ban addresses lithium-ion battery safety, mitigating fire risk on Toronto public transit during cold weather across buses, subways, and streetcars, while balancing micro-mobility access, infrastructure gaps, and evolving regulations.

Key Points

A seasonal TTC policy limiting lithium-ion e-bikes and scooters on transit in winter to cut battery fire risk.

✅ Targets lithium-ion fire hazards in confined transit spaces

✅ Applies Nov-Mar across buses, subways, and streetcars

✅ Sparks debate on equity, accessibility, and policy alternatives

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Board recently voted to implement a ban on lithium-ion-powered electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters during the winter months, a decision that reflects growing safety concerns. This new policy has generated significant debate within the city, particularly regarding the role of these transportation modes in the lives of Torontonians, and the potential risks posed by the technology during cold weather.

A Growing Safety Concern

The move to ban lithium-ion-powered e-bikes and scooters from TTC services during the winter months stems from increasing safety concerns related to battery fires. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in e-bikes and scooters, are known to pose a fire risk, especially in colder temperatures, and as systems like Metro Vancouver's battery-electric buses expand, robust safety practices are paramount. In recent years, Toronto has experienced several high-profile incidents involving fires caused by these batteries. In some cases, these fires have occurred on TTC property, including on buses and subway cars, raising alarm among transit officials.

The TTC Board's decision was largely driven by the fear that the cold temperatures during winter months could make lithium-ion batteries more prone to malfunction, leading to potential fires. These batteries are particularly vulnerable to damage when exposed to low temperatures, which can cause them to overheat or fail during charging or use. Since public transit systems are densely populated and rely on close quarters, the risk of a battery fire in a confined space such as a bus or subway is considered too high.

The New Ban

The new rule, which is expected to take effect in the coming months, will prohibit e-bikes and scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries from being brought onto TTC vehicles, including buses, streetcars, and subway trains, even as the agency rolls out battery electric buses across its fleet, during the winter months. While the TTC had previously allowed passengers to bring these devices on board, it had issued warnings regarding their safety. The policy change reflects a more cautious approach to mitigating risk in light of growing concerns.

The winter months, typically from November to March, are when these batteries are at their most vulnerable. In addition to environmental factors, the challenges posed by winter weather—such as snow, ice, and the damp conditions—can exacerbate the potential for damage to these devices. The TTC Board hopes the new ban will prevent further incidents and keep transit riders safe.

Pushback and Debate

Not everyone agrees with the TTC Board's decision. Some residents and advocacy groups have expressed concern that this ban unfairly targets individuals who rely on e-bikes and scooters as an affordable and sustainable mode of transportation, while international examples like Paris's e-scooter vote illustrate how contentious rental devices can be elsewhere, adding fuel to the debate. E-bikes, in particular, have become a popular choice among commuters who want an eco-friendly alternative to driving, especially in a city like Toronto, where traffic congestion can be severe.

Advocates argue that instead of an outright ban, the TTC should invest in safer infrastructure, such as designated storage areas for e-bikes and scooters, or offer guidelines on how to safely store and transport these devices during winter, and, in assessing climate impacts, consider Canada's electricity mix alongside local safety measures. They also point out that other forms of electric transportation, such as electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, are not subject to the same restrictions, raising questions about the fairness of the new policy.

In response to these concerns, the TTC has assured the public that it remains committed to finding alternative solutions that balance safety with accessibility. Transit officials have stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and consider adjustments to the policy if necessary.

Broader Implications for Transportation in Toronto

The TTC’s decision to ban lithium-ion-powered e-bikes and scooters is part of a broader conversation about the future of transportation in urban centers like Toronto. The rise of electric micro-mobility devices has been seen as a step toward reducing carbon emissions and addressing the city’s growing congestion issues, aligning with Canada's EV goals that push for widespread adoption. However, as more people turn to e-bikes and scooters for daily commuting, concerns about safety and infrastructure have become more pronounced.

The city of Toronto has yet to roll out comprehensive regulations for electric scooters and bikes, and this issue is further complicated by the ongoing push for sustainable urban mobility and pilots like driverless electric shuttles that test new models. While transit authorities grapple with safety risks, the public is increasingly looking for ways to integrate these devices into a broader, more holistic transportation system that prioritizes both convenience and safety.

The TTC’s decision to ban lithium-ion-powered e-bikes and scooters during the winter months is a necessary step to address growing safety concerns in Toronto's public transit system. Although the decision has been met with some resistance, it highlights the ongoing challenges in managing the growing use of electric transportation in urban environments, where initiatives like TTC's electric bus fleet offer lessons on scaling safely. With winter weather exacerbating the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, the policy seeks to reduce the chances of fires and ensure the safety of all transit users. As the city moves forward, it will need to find ways to balance innovation with public safety to create a more sustainable and safe urban transportation network.

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Quebec Ice Storm 2025 disrupted power across Laurentians and Lanaudiere as freezing rain downed lines; Hydro-QuE9bec crews accelerated grid restoration, emergency response, and infrastructure resilience amid ongoing outages and severe weather alerts.

Key Points

Quebec Ice Storm 2025 brought freezing rain, outages, and grid damage, hitting Laurentians and Lanaudiere hardest.

✅ Peak: 62,000 Hydro-QuE9bec customers without electricity

✅ Most outages in Laurentians and Lanaudiere regions

✅ Crews repairing lines; restoration updates ongoing

A significant weather event struck Quebec in late March 2025, as a powerful ice storm caused widespread power outages across the province. The storm led to extensive power outages, affecting tens of thousands of residents, particularly in the Lanaudière and Laurentians regions. ​

Impact on Power Infrastructure

The freezing rain accumulated on power lines and vegetation, leading to numerous power outages across the network. Hydro-Québec reported that at its peak, over 62,000 customers were without electricity, with the majority of outages concentrated in the Laurentians and Lanaudière regions. By the afternoon, the number decreased to approximately 30,000, and further to just under 18,500 by late afternoon. 

Comparison with Previous Storms

While the March 2025 ice storm caused significant disruptions, it was less severe compared to the catastrophic ice storm of April 2023, which left 1.1 million Hydro-Québec customers without power. Nonetheless, the 2025 storm's impact was considerable, leading to the closure of municipal facilities and posing challenges for local economies, a pattern echoed when Toronto outages persisted for hundreds after a spring storm.

Ongoing Challenges

As of April 1, 2025, some areas continued to experience power outages, and incidents such as a manhole fire left thousands without service in separate cases. Hydro-Québec and municipal authorities worked diligently to restore services and address the aftermath of the storm, while Hydro One crews restored power to more than 277,000 customers after damaging storms in Ontario. Residents were advised to stay updated through official channels for restoration timelines and safety information.

Future Preparedness

The recurrence of such severe weather events highlights the importance of robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness, as seen in BC Hydro's storm response to an 'atypical' event that demanded extensive coordination. Both utility companies and residents must remain vigilant, especially during seasons prone to unpredictable weather patterns, with local utilities like Sudbury Hydro crews working to reconnect service after regional storms.

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Bruce Power PPE Donation supports Canada COVID-19 response, supplying 1.2 million masks, gloves, and gowns to Ontario hospitals, long-term care, and first responders, plus face shields, hand sanitizer, and funding for testing and food banks.

Key Points

Bruce Power PPE Donation is a broad COVID-19 aid delivering PPE, supplies, and funding across Ontario.

✅ 1.2 million masks, gloves, gowns to Ontario care providers

✅ 3-D printed face shields and 50,000 bottles of sanitizer

✅ Funding testing research and supporting regional food banks

The world’s largest nuclear plant, which recently marked an operating record during sustained operations, just made Canada’s largest donation of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Bruce Power is doubling its initial donation of 600,000 masks, gloves and gowns for front-line health workers, to 1.2 million pieces of PPE.

The company, which operates the Bruce Nuclear station near Kincardine, Ont., where a major reactor refurbishment is underway, plans to have the equipment in the hands of hospitals, long-term care homes and first responders by the end of April.

It’s not the only thing Bruce Power is doing to help out Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic:

 Bruce Power has donated $300,000 to 37 food banks in Midwestern Ontario, highlighting the broader economic benefits of Canadian nuclear projects for communities.

•  They’re also working with NPX in Kincardine to make face shields with 3-D printers, leveraging local manufacturing contracts to accelerate production.
•  They’re teaming up with the Power Worker’s Union to fund testing research in Toronto.
•  They’re working with Three Sheets Brewing and Junction 56 Distillery to distribute 50,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to those that need it.

And that’s all on top of what they’ve been doing for years, producing Cobalt-60, a medical isotope to sterilize medical equipment, and, after a recent output upgrade at the site, producing about 30 per cent of Ontario’s electricity as the province advances the Pickering B refurbishment to bolster grid reliability.

Bruce Power has over 4,000 employees working out of their nuclear plant, on the shores of Lake Huron, as it explores the proposed Bruce C project for potential future capacity.

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Sunrun-Tesla Virtual Power Plant Texas leverages residential solar, Tesla Powerwall battery storage, and ERCOT demand response to enhance grid resilience, cut emissions, and supply backup power via a coordinated distributed energy resources network.

Key Points

A Texas VPP using residential solar and Tesla Powerwall to aid ERCOT with grid services resilience, and less emissions.

✅ Aggregates Powerwall storage for ERCOT demand response.

✅ Enhances grid reliability with distributed energy resources.

✅ Cuts emissions by shifting solar to peak and outage periods.

In a significant development for renewable energy and grid resilience, Sunrun and Tesla have announced a groundbreaking partnership to establish a distributed power plant in Texas. This collaboration represents a major step forward in harnessing solar energy and battery storage, with advances in affordable solar batteries helping to create a more reliable and sustainable power system. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for clean energy solutions while enhancing grid stability and resilience in one of the largest and most energy-dependent states in the U.S.

The new distributed power plant, a joint venture between Sunrun, a leading residential solar provider, and Tesla, renowned for its advanced battery technology and electric vehicles, will leverage the strengths of both companies to transform how energy is generated and used. The project will deploy Tesla's Powerwall battery systems alongside Sunrun's solar panels to create a network of interconnected residential energy storage units. This network will function as a virtual power plant, aligned with emerging peer-to-peer energy sharing models that are capable of providing electricity back to the grid during periods of high demand or outages.

Texas, with its vast and growing population, has faced significant energy challenges in recent years. The state’s power grid, managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), has experienced strain during extreme weather events and high demand periods, and instances of Texas wind curtailment during grid stress, leading to concerns about reliability and stability. The partnership between Sunrun and Tesla seeks to address these concerns by introducing a more flexible and resilient energy solution.

The distributed power plant will consist of thousands of residential solar installations, each equipped with Tesla Powerwall batteries, reflecting the broader trend of pairing storage with solar across the U.S. as it scales. These batteries store excess solar energy generated during the day and release it when needed, such as during peak demand times or power outages. By connecting these systems through advanced software, the project will create a coordinated network of distributed energy resources that can respond dynamically to fluctuations in energy supply and demand.

One of the key benefits of this distributed approach is its ability to enhance grid reliability. Traditional power plants are centralized and can be vulnerable to disruptions, whether from extreme weather, technical failures, or other issues. In contrast, a distributed power plant spreads the generation and storage capacity across numerous locations, a principle echoed by renewable power developers pursuing multi-resource projects today, reducing the risk of widespread outages and increasing the overall resilience of the power grid.

Additionally, the project will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By increasing the use of solar energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and amid ongoing work to improve solar and wind technologies, the distributed power plant supports Texas’s climate goals and contributes to broader efforts to combat climate change. The integration of renewable energy sources into the grid helps to decrease carbon emissions and promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.

The partnership between Sunrun and Tesla also underscores the growing role of technology in transforming the energy landscape. Tesla's Powerwall battery systems represent some of the most advanced energy storage technology available, and amid record solar and storage growth nationwide this decade they showcase the capability to store and manage energy efficiently. Sunrun’s expertise in residential solar installations complements this technology, creating a powerful combination that leverages the latest advancements in clean energy.

The project is expected to deliver several benefits to both individual homeowners and the broader community. Homeowners who participate in the program will have access to solar energy and battery storage at reduced costs, thanks to the economies of scale and innovative financing options provided by Sunrun and Tesla. Additionally, they will have the added security of backup power during outages, contributing to greater energy independence and resilience.

For the broader community, the distributed power plant offers a more reliable and sustainable energy system. The ability to generate and store energy at the residential level reduces the strain on traditional power plants and enhances the overall stability of the grid. Furthermore, the project will contribute to local job creation, as the installation and maintenance of solar panels and battery systems require skilled workers.

As the project moves forward, Sunrun and Tesla will work closely with local stakeholders, regulators, and utility providers to ensure the successful implementation and integration of the distributed power plant. Collaboration with these parties will be essential to addressing any regulatory, technical, or logistical challenges and ensuring that the project delivers its intended benefits.

In conclusion, the partnership between Sunrun and Tesla to create a distributed power plant in Texas represents a significant advancement in clean energy technology and grid resilience. By combining solar power with advanced battery storage, the project aims to enhance grid stability, reduce emissions, and provide reliable energy solutions for homeowners. As Texas continues to face energy challenges, this innovative initiative offers a promising model for the future of distributed energy and highlights the potential for technology-driven solutions to address pressing environmental and infrastructure issues.

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Nova Scotia Power Active Demand Control Tariff lets the utility direct Port Hawkesbury Paper load, enabling demand response, efficiency, and industrial electricity rates, while regulators assess impacts on ratepayers, grid reliability, mill viability, and savings.

Key Points

A four-year tariff letting the utility control the mill load for demand response, efficiency, and lower costs.

✅ Utility can increase or reduce daily consumption at the mill

✅ Projected savings of $10M annually for other ratepayers to 2023

✅ Regulators reviewing cost allocation, monitoring, and viability

Nova Scotia Power is scheduled to appear before government regulators Tuesday morning seeking approval for a unique discount rate for its largest customer.

Under the four-year plan, Nova Scotia Power would control the supply of electricity to Port Hawkesbury Paper, a move referenced in a grid operations report that urges changes, with the right to direct the company to increase or reduce daily consumption throughout the year.

The rate proposal is supported by the mill, which says it needs to lower its power bill to keep its operation viable.

The rate went into effect on Jan. 1 on a temporary basis, pending the outcome of a hearing this week before the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, amid broader calls for an independent body to lead electricity planning.

The mill accounts for 10 per cent of the provincial electricity load, even as a neighbouring utility pursues more Quebec power for the region, producing glossy paper used in magazines and catalogs.

Nova Scotia Power says controlling how much electricity the mill uses — and when — will allow it to operate the system much more efficiently, as it expands biomass generation initiatives, saving other customers $10 million a year until the rate expires in 2023.

Ceding control 'not an easy decision'
In its opening statement that was filed in advance, Port Hawkesbury Paper said ceding the control of its electrical supply to Nova Scotia Power was "not an easy decision" to make, but the company is confident the arrangement will work.

In September 2019, Nova Scotia Power and the mill jointly applied for an "extra large active demand control tariff," which would provide electricity to the mill for about $61 per megawatt hour, well below the full cost of generating the electricity.

The utility said "fully allocating costs" would result in "prices in excess of $80/MWh ... and [would] not [be] financially viable for the mill."

In its statement, Port Hawkesbury Paper said since the initial filing "there have been greater near term declines in market demand and pricing for PHP's product than was forecast at that time, continuing to put pressure on our business and further highlighting the need to maintain the balance provided for in the new tariff."

Consumer advocate sees 'advantage,' but will challenge
Bill Mahody represents Nova Scotia Power's 400,000 residential customers before the review board. He wants proof the mill will pay enough toward the cost of generating the electricity it uses, amid concerns over biomass use in the province today.

"We filed evidence, as have others involved in the proceeding, that would call into question whether or not the rate design is capturing all of those costs and that will be a significant issue before the board," Mahody said.

Still, he sees value in the proposal.

The proposed new rate went into effect on Jan. 1 on a temporary basis. (The Canadian Press)
"This proposed rate gives Nova Scotia Power the ability to control that sizable Port Hawkesbury Paper load to the advantage of other ratepayers, as the province pursues more wind and solar projects, because Nova Scotia Power would be reducing the costs that other ratepayers are going to face," he said.

Mahody is also calling for a mechanism to monitor whether the mill's position actually improves to the point where it could pay higher rates.

"An awful lot can change during a four-year period, with new tidal power projects underway, and I think the board ought to have the ability to check in on this and make sure that their preferential rate continues to be justified," he said.

Major employer
Port Hawkesbury Paper, owned by Stern Partners in Vancouver, has received discounted power rates since it bought the idled mill in 2012. But the "load retention tariff" as it was called, expired at the end of 2019.

Regulators have accepted Nova Scotia Power's argument that it would cost other customers more if the mill ceased to operate.

The mill said it spends between $235 million and $265 million annually, employing 330 people directly and supporting 500 other jobs indirectly.

The Nova Scotia government pledged $124 million in financial assistance as part of the reopening in 2012.

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ATCO Electric administrative penalty underscores an Alberta Utilities Commission probe into a sole-sourced First Nation contract, Jasper transmission line overpayments, and nondisclosure to ratepayers, sparked by a whistleblower and pending settlement approval.

Key Points

A $31M AUC settlement over alleged overpayment, sole-sourcing, and nondisclosure tied to a Jasper transmission line.

✅ $31M administrative penalty; AUC settlement pending approval

✅ Sole-sourced First Nation contract to protect related ATCO deal

✅ Overpayment concealed when seeking recovery from ratepayers

Regulated Alberta utility ATCO Electric has agreed to pay a $31 million administrative penalty after an Alberta Utilities Commission utilities watchdog investigation found it deliberately overpaid a First Nation group for work on a new transmission line, and then failed to disclose the reasons for it when it applied to be reimbursed by ratepayers for the extra cost.

An agreed statement of facts contained in a settlement agreement between ATCO Electric Ltd. and the commission's enforcement staff says the company sole-sourced a contract in 2018 for work that was necessary for an electric transmission line to Jasper, Alta., even as BC Hydro marked a Site C transmission line milestone elsewhere.

The company that won the contract was co-owned by the Simpcw First Nation in Barriere, B.C., while debates over a First Nations electricity line in Ontario underscore related issues, and the agreement says one of the reasons for the sole-sourcing was that another of Calgary-based ATCO's subsidiaries had a prior deal with the First Nation for infrastructure projects that included the provision of work camps on the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project.

The statement of facts says ATCO Electric feared that if it didn't grant the contract to the First Nation group and instead put the work to tender, amid legal pressures such as a treaty rights challenge, the group might back out of its deal with ATCO Structures and Logistics and partner with another, non-ATCO company on the Trans Mountain work.

The agreed statement says ATCO Electric paid several million dollars more than market value for some of the Jasper line work, while a Manitoba-Minnesota line delay was being weighed in another jurisdiction, and staff attempted to conceal the reasons for the overpayment when they sought to recover the extra money from Alberta consumers.

It states the investigation was sparked by a whistleblower, and notes the agreement between the utility commission's enforcement staff and ATCO Electric must still be approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, a process comparable to hearings that consider oral traditional evidence on interprovincial lines.

The commission must be satisfied the settlement is in the public interest, a consideration often informed by concerns from Site C opponents in other regions.

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