Energy Efficiency

2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management Framework Mid-Term Review

The 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management Framework is designed to help the province to cost-effectively meet its electricity system needs through the delivery of programs, training and other mechanisms that enable Ontario’s electricity consumers to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, businesses, institutions and industrial facilities.

At the request of the Minister of Energy, the IESO has conducted a mid-term review of the framework to assess the performance of existing CDM programs and alignment of targets and budgets with emerging customer and system needs.

Non-Energy Benefits Study

The IESO has released a report it commissioned that quantifies the non-energy benefits of energy efficiency. Non-Energy Benefits Study: Phase II builds on earlier work that was completed in 2018. Using novel approaches, the study examines the benefits of energy efficiency beyond the usual energy and demand savings. It is the first study of its kind to extensively research this subject to quantify Ontario-specific non-energy benefits.

For example, the study indicates that improved comfort is one of the main non-energy benefits for participants. Energy-efficiency efforts result in more comfortable homes and businesses with better lighting and more even temperature control. Additional results were found for specific groups of customers and quantified accordingly through $/kWh units.

The IESO will update and enhance its cost-effectiveness evaluation processes with the study results for the 2021-2024 CDM Framework. The results of the report also demonstrate the importance that NEBs can have in marketing energy efficiency programs to consumers. For more information, please contact evaluations@ieso.ca.

2022 Achievable Potential Study

The 2022 Achievable Potential Study (APS) refresh leverages the 2019 APS model and methodology with updated input assumptions to create refreshed achievable electricity savings potential forecasts for the period of 2023 to 2042.

• APS Refresh Forward
• APS Refresh Forecast Potential and Consumption
• APS Refresh Forecast Potential by Measure

2019 Achievable Potential Study

The 2019 Achievable Potential Study (APS) identifies and quantifies energy (electricity and natural gas) and demand savings, greenhouse gas emissions reductions and associated costs from energy-efficiency measures for the period of 2019-2038.

As the first integrated achievable potential study in Ontario, the 2019 APS captures the dynamic relationship between electricity and natural gas use to better support emerging whole home and business energy-efficiency measures and programs. The 2019 APS will be used to inform the development of future energy-efficiency frameworks; program design, implementation and evaluations; and long-term energy resource planning.

Additional details on the 2019 APS stakeholder engagement process are available on the on the APS engagement webpage.

• 2019 APS Foreword 
• 2019 APS Final Report (Updated: December 18, 2019) 
• 2019 APS Data Appendix 1 - Forecast Potential and Consumption (Updated: December 18, 2019) 
• 2019 APA Data Appendix 2- Forecast Potential by Measure (Updated: December 18, 2019) 

Retrofit Portal

The Save on Energy Retrofit Portal provides an online platform for customers to easily apply for incentives through the Retrofit Program. The portal can be accessed on the Save on Energy website.

Please refer new Retrofit applications to the IESO: Retrofit@ieso.ca

Conservation First Framework Archive

Please find archived information on the former Conservation First Framework. 

• Conservation e-blasts for Local Distribution Companies

In addition, LDCs may visit the LDC extranet to access Conservation First wind down materials, reports or other information that may be required.

Interim Framework Program Documents Archive

Conservation First Framework Program Rules

Please find a list of program rules below for customers who have existing program contracts with their Local Distribution Company under the Conservation First Framework.

These documents can be obtained by sending a request to saveonenergy@ieso.ca and advising whether the document(s) need to be provided in an accessible format. Please allow a minimum of one business day for a response.