IESO Issues 18-Month Outlook for Ontario's Power System

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) reported an improved outlook for Ontario's overall reliability picture compared to last summer. The IESO, in its latest 18-Month Outlook, cited new generation and transmission initiatives and planned market enhancements as the significant contributors to the improved forecast.

The IESO cautioned that Ontario will need to continue to rely on imports from outside the province during periods of the summer and under extreme weather conditions when the system is strained.

"The situation has improved over last summer with the additional generation, transmission enhancements and measures taken by the IESO to manage the system in tight conditions," said IESO President and CEO Dave Goulding.

"However there are expected to be periods again this summer when we will need to import power from our neighbours to maintain a reliable supply."

More than 600 megawatts (MW) of new generation has come online in the past seven months, including 515 MW from Unit 1 at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and 117 MW from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority's gas-fired cogeneration unit.

Transmission capability into the Greater Toronto Area has improved since last summer and transmission upgrades and changes underway or planned will increase the capability to import power from other jurisdictions.

New market measures to be implemented in the second quarter of 2006 will address some of the problems that surfaced last summer when the IESO relied on extensive use of emergency control actions in order to maintain reliability and avoid power interruptions.