Gas Phase-Out Impact Assessment

The future of gas generation in Ontario has become a focus of discussion for a number of municipalities as they consider efforts to tackle climate change, raising questions and concerns from stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities these discussions have raised. The electricity system would undergo significant impacts if natural gas was taken out of the supply mix. Such an undertaking would require a comprehensive plan to develop and invest in suitable replacement supply and reorient the system around the new supply mix in order to maintain the reliability of the system. 

The IESO is looking to inform future discussion about the implications of a phase out of natural gas generation in Ontario. This will be done by launching this engagement that will result in the development of an assessment that outlines the implications of lowering emissions by reducing the reliance on natural gas generation.  More specifically, the assessment will outline the current role natural gas plays in maintaining a reliable electricity supply across Ontario as well as provide an assessment on the reliability, cost, operability and timing issues that would need to be addressed should the phase out of natural gas be considered. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the scope of the assessment. The publication of the assessment with the conclusions of the assessment will be issued later this year.

The IESO encourages all interested parties to participate in this engagement through the public webinars and written feedback. 

To be added to the email list for communications related to this engagement or to submit comments and enquiries, please email engagement@ieso.ca.

Related Information

• Draft Engagement Plan (Revised May 26, 2021)
• Letter from IESO to Toronto City Council
• Annual Planning Outlook report and webpage

Schedule of Activities