South Georgian Bay/Muskoka

Regional electricity planning in the South Georgian Bay/Muskoka region is underway to identify the future need of electricity for the area, and options to ensure an adequate and reliable supply continues for its residents and businesses. The South Georgian Bay/Muskoka region is divided into two sub-regions – Barrie/Innisfil and Parry Sound/Muskoka.

Community Engagement

The IESO engages with local and regional communities to seek input to help inform planning activities. Learn more about engagement on the current planning cycle.


Barrie/Innisfil sub-region

The last regional planning process cycle for the Barrie/Innisfil sub-region was completed in December 2016 and an Integrated Regional Resource Plan (IRRP) was released.

Parry Sound/Muskoka sub-region

The last regional planning process cycle for the Parry Sound/Muskoka sub-region was completed in December 2016 and an Integrated Regional Resource Plan (IRRP) was released.

Regional planning Process

The local distribution companies (LDCs) providing service to customers in the area include

  • Alectra Utilities
  • InnPower Corporation
  • Orangeville Hydro
  • Elexicon Hydro
  • Lakeland Power
  • EPCOR Electricity Distribution Ontario Inc.
  • Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd.
  • Orillia Power Distribution Corp.
  • Wasaga Distribution Inc
  • Hydro One Networks Inc. (distribution)

The lead transmitter in this region is Hydro One Networks Inc. (transmission).

South Georgian Bay/Muskoka region map

Area Overview

The South Georgian Bay/Muskoka region is located in central Ontario and includes more than 30 municipalities and 10 First Nation communities. See Scoping Assessment for a complete list.

The boundaries of the South Georgian Bay/Muskoka Region are shown on the map.

Regional Planning Activities in South Georgian Bay/Muskoka Region

The regional planning cycle is underway for the region, with Integrated Regional Resource Plans (IRRP) anticipated to be posted in Q2 2022 for the sub-regions of Parry Sound/Muskoka and Barrie/Innisfil.

Following the completion of a Needs Assessment by Hydro One in April 2020, a draft Scoping Assessment Outcome Report and Terms of Reference for the South Georgian Bay/Muskoka Region is underway to conclude if needs would be addressed through local coordination between the transmitter and LDC(s) or at the local sub-region level. The draft Scoping Assessment and Terms of Reference is posted for a public comment period until October 23, 2020.

For more information, see Regional Planning Process. See below for past regional planning activities in this region.


Documents referenced on this page, but not posted, can be obtained by contacting customer.relations@ieso.ca with a link to the web page that lists the document and advise whether it needs to be provided in an accessible format. Please allow a minimum of one business day for a response.

Key Resources

In 2014, a Needs Screening was carried out by Hydro One Networks Inc. for the South Georgian Bay/Muskoka region. The report identified several needs that may require regional coordination and concluded that these needs should be reviewed further under the IESO-led Scoping Assessment process.

The participants in the Scoping Assessment process consisted of the IESO, Hydro One and the local distribution companies servicing the region. They further reviewed the identified needs to determine the best planning approach, and identified two sub-regions – Barrie/Innisfil and Parry Sound/Muskoka.

In June 2015, the South Georgian Bay/Muskoka Scoping Assessment Outcome Report was released.

Technical Working Groups were established to undertake Integrated Regional Resource Plans (IRRP) for each sub-region. Additional local electricity requirements identified in the Needs Assessment have been by Hydro One and the impacted local distribution companies. Identified needs related to the bulk transmission system supplying this region were addressed in parallel with the IRRP process by the IESO, with results communicated to the regional planning participants.

Map of South Georgian Bay/Muskoka region

Click for larger image