Reliability Outlook Released: Ontario System Prepared as Pickering 'A' is Decommissioned, New Battery Storage Comes Online
December 19, 2024
With new storage and upgraded capacity resources coming online in this Outlook period, Ontario’s electricity system is prepared for the next 18 months. As the last of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s “A” units cease operations by the end of 2024, the IESO will continue to rely on the province’s diverse supply mix and careful outage co-ordination to meet system needs throughout 2025 and into 2026.
Electricity demand in Ontario is projected to increase by 2.13 per cent for 2025 as electrification increases throughout the economy. The system will be adequate under firm demand and normal weather conditions throughout the Outlook period, it is projected to approach the adequacy threshold should extreme weather conditions arise in summer 2025. New resources coming online, capacity secured through the recent 2024 Capacity Auction and our ability to rely on other operating actions will ensure that Ontario’s reliability needs are met.
As we approach Market Renewal’s go-live in May 2025, market participants are strongly encouraged to plan and co-ordinate with the IESO before scheduling outages, as additional co-ordination may be required as system changes are tested and synchronized in advance of and through the go-live period.