September 27, 2016

I write in my capacity as the Minister of Energy in order to exercise the statutory power I have to amend or revoke continued directions issued to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) under the Electricity Act, 1998, as amended (the "Act").

Background

On September 1, 2016, the IESO provided the Minister of Energy with the Ontario Planning Outlook, an independent report analyzing a variety of planning scenarios for the future of Ontario's energy system. The IESO has advised that Ontario will benefit from a robust supply of energy over the coming decade to meet projected demand. While Ontario remains committed to a clean, affordable and reliable electricity system, given Ontario's strong energy position and in the interest of maintaining an affordable electricity system, the government has determined that it will suspend the planned LRP II and the EFWSOP.

Ontario currently has about 18,000 MW of wind, solar, bioenergy and hydroelectricity energy contracted or online. The upcoming Long-Term Energy Plan consultation will provide an opportunity to consider further investment in the electricity system, including opportunities to leverage renewables for cost savings opportunities.  

Direction

Therefore, pursuant to my authority under section 25.32 of the Act, I hereby make the following amendments to the directions listed below: 

1. Amendments to Directions

1.1­. The direction issued April 22, 2015 titled "Moving forward with a new Energy-from-Waste (EFW) Procurement Process" is amended by revoking paragraphs 1.1, 1.2 and 2.1.

1.2. The direction issued April 5, 2016 titled "Future Renewable Energy Procurements" is amended by revoking paragraphs 1.1 , 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5.

1.3. The direction issued June 1 0, 2016 titled "Upgrades to Existing Renewable Projects, Conservation First Framework and Support Programs" is amended by revoking the heading at part 1 and by revoking paragraphs 1 .1 and 1 .2.

2. General

2.1. This direction supplements and amends previous directions to the extent that a previous direction is inconsistent with the provisions of this direction. All other terms of any previous direction remain in full force and effect.

This direction takes effect on the date it is issued.