Long-Term RFP and Expedited Process

After more than a decade of strong supply, Ontario is entering a period of emerging electricity system needs, driven by increasing demand, the retirement of the Pickering nuclear plant, the refurbishment of other nuclear generating units, as well as expiring contracts for existing facilities.

To address these needs, The IESO expects to procure 2,200 MW from the Long-Term Request for Proposals (LT1 RFP). The LT1 RFP in addition to the expedited procurement process “the Expedited Process” (E-LT1 RFP) and the Same Technology Upgrade Solicitation for which the deadline for proposals has passed, will combine to procure a target of 4,000 MW.

The LT1 RFP, together with the Expedited Process, is expected to competitively procure year-round effective capacity from dispatchable new build resources, including new build hybrid electricity generation and storage facilities, registered or able to become registered in the IESO-administered markets, larger than 1 MW and which can deliver a continuous amount of electricity to a connection point on a distribution system or transmission system for at least four consecutive hours.

In advance of the Expedited Process and the LT1 RFP, the IESO issued the Long-Term Request for Qualifications (LT1 RFQ) to establish a list of applicants with the experience and capability to successfully develop, construct and operate facilities acquired through these procurements. The LT1 RFQ is now complete, and the list of Qualified Applicants is available below.

Future long-term procurements, including the LT2 RFP, may be suitable for resource types that are not yet fully enabled in the IESO-administered markets, or for projects that require longer development timelines. Procurement design and requirements have been and will continue to be shaped by input from stakeholders through the Resource Adequacy Engagement, as well as other IESO assessments and engagements.

Visit the IESO's Subscribe page to sign up for future LT1 RFP updates.

LT1 RFP Procurement Documents

Draft LT1 RFP Procurement Documents

Draft LT1 RFP (May 26, 2023)
Draft LT1 Contract (May 26, 2023)

Other LT1 RFP Procurement Resources

E-LT1 and Same Tech Upgrades Updates

The IESO has now concluded the evaluation of proposals for the Non-Storage Category and Storage Category 1 in the E-LT1 RFP. Proposal evaluation yielded two selected proponents in the Non-Storage Category totalling 295 MW of Maximum Contract Capacity and seven selected proponents in Storage Category 1 totalling 739.25 MW of Maximum Contract Capacity. Additional information is provided in the table of results below.

The IESO is currently in the process of completing Stage 5A of the E-LT1 RFP (CIB Investment Offer Period, Restatement and Deliverability Test Assessment) for proposals in Storage Category 2, and aims to complete the Storage Category 2 evaluations and award contracts this summer.

Within the Same Technology Upgrades Solicitation, the IESO has finalized, or is in the process of finalizing agreements with seven proponents for efficiency upgrades to existing natural gas facilities. Accompanied by the expansions at existing facilities in the E-LT1 RFP Non-Storage Category, they will total 586 MW of capacity and provide a cost-effective and timely solution to secure operational flexibility.

The E-LT1 RFP and the Same Tech Upgrades are crucial in helping to meet the significant electricity system needs expected over the next decade, with the new capacity procured slated to connect to the grid by mid-2026.

More information is available in the IESO’s Resource Adequacy Update.

Expedited Process

Same Tech Upgrades

Disclaimer

This request for qualifications (“RFQ”) and the statements and information contained herein, are based on the proposed design as of the date of posting and remain subject to amendment following the process set out in the RFQ. Nothing in this RFQ, or the posting thereof, obligates the IESO to continue or conduct the procurement process contemplated herein, or any other procurement process. Nothing in this posted RFQ or contract constitutes, nor shall it be construed to constitute, an agreement, guarantee, representation, or warranty, express or implied, on behalf of the IESO. The IESO provides no such agreement, guarantee, representation, or warranty and disclaims any and all liability associated therewith. In the event there is any conflict or inconsistency between this RFQ or contract, and the IESO market rules, any legislation or regulation, the terms in the market rules, legislation, or regulation as applicable, govern.

Engaging Stakeholders

Learn more about the engagement plan, objectives, approach, timeline and considerations for engaging stakeholders.

Engaging Communities

Learn more about the IESO's commitment to engagement with Indigenous Communities and Municipalities.

Long Term 1 RFP Procurement Activities

The dates provided below are aligned with the LT1 RFP and are subject to change.

Date	Procurement Activities
May 2023	Draft LT1 RFP and Contract posted
June 2023	LT1 RFP Deliverability Test
September 2023	Final LT1 RFP and Contract posted
September 2023	Conclude LT1 RFP Deliverability Test
November 2023	LT1 RFP Proposal Submission Deadline
Q1/Q2 2024	LT1 RFP Contract Offer Announcement