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Ontario electricity consumers are now able to tap into updates on the province's power grid while checking their local forecast. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and The Weather Network today launched a joint initiative that allows consumers to monitor demand during the day and see how it affects both the reliability of the power system and the price they pay.
Weather has one of the largest influences on electricity demand in Ontario. "This past summer, a one degree increase in temperature caused Ontario demand to increase by about 400 megawatts (MW) - that is the equivalent of adding a city the size of Brampton to the power system," said IESO President and CEO Paul Murphy. "Consumers can play an active role in helping maintain reliability of the system," added Murphy. "By using less at peak times, consumers can reduce the cost of electricity and alleviate the need for new generation."
The IESO is providing current Ontario electricity demand, supply and price information, as well as monthly power consumption summaries and seasonal outlooks that will be published in the Power Consumption section of The Weather Network website at http://theweathernetwork.ca/homeandgarden/powerOnt.htm. Additional information is available on the IESO's website at www.ieso.ca.
"The Weather Network is always looking for ways to provide new and relevant information to our audience," said The Weather Network President and CEO Pierre Morrissette. "Electricity is certainly top of mind for many of the people that visit our site and this new section will help to provide them with real time information about the electricity system," added Morrissette.
The IESO is responsible for managing Ontario's bulk electricity system and operating the wholesale electricity market. For more information, visit www.ieso.ca.
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