The GTA has experienced dynamic growth in population and economic activity over the past several years. This is particularly true of western and southern parts of the GTA, which includes Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Vaughan and parts of western Toronto.
Aggressive energy conservation and demand management programs are curbing electricity demand growth in the region. Only continuing these efforts and upgrading the area’s supply capacity will ensure an adequate and reliable supply of electricity to the homes and businesses of the area.
Action is now needed to address three major system issues:
Critical existing transmission systems are strained;
Any major disruption could lead to significant and continuing service interruption;
And, local gas-fired generation can replace coal-fired generation and helps to meet the province’s greenhouse gas emission targets.
These issues are most effectively solved by implementing an integrated plan involving conservation and demand management, and the procurement of 850 MW of gas-fired generation to be operating in the southwestern area by 2014.
Energy conservation and demand management programs are critical parts of the integrated plan.
On the conservation front, the OPA and its partners are aggressively seeking to reduce area electricity consumption by as much as 15% over the next 20 years.
Small-scale generation—both renewable and gas-fired—can also be part of the longer term solution. But neither can completely solve the area’s needs in the time frame required.
Gas-fired generation, in the right place at the right time, must play a role.
The OPA strives for openness and transparency in its consultations with the public. We want to learn of your views and opinions on this project. If you have questions or comments, please contact us online or call 1 800 797-9604.
The Ontario Power Authority held a series of public information sessions on February 4 (Mississauga), February 17 (Etobicoke), February 18 (Oakville) and March 3 (Mississauga) to discuss plans for a new source of electricity supply in your community and respond to your questions and concerns.
Minister of Energy and Infrastucture directive to the OPA to begin a procurement process for a new power generating facility in southwestern Greater Toronto Area.
