Ontario Hydro was separated into five successor companies under the Energy Competition Act (1998). From 1998 until the OPA was created in late 2004, there had been no single entity in the province responsible for integrated power system planning.

With a significant supply gap looming due to aging infrastructure, retiring power plants and increasing demand, developing an Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP) will be essential to ensuring that the electricity system continues to meet Ontario’s needs well into the future.

The OPA’s Power System Planning group is leading the development of a comprehensive IPSP for submission to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) for regulatory review in the fall of 2006. Power System Planning is working closely with the four other groups within the OPA, and consulting with stakeholders and the public to develop a plan that considers and reflects the broad array of environmental, social, safety and technical considerations required of an integrated power system.

The OPA is also working closely with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and transmission and distribution companies in developing the IPSP. The OPA will ensure that planning activities are delivered efficiently and are closely coordinated with the IESO and other organizations.