Representatives from South Bruce Tour IESO

For Immediate Release
August 2, 2023

SOUTH BRUCE, ON – Members of the Municipality of South Bruce staff, Council and the Community Liaison Committee (CLC) toured the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in Mississauga on Wednesday, July 26^th.

The IESO is the province’s energy coordinator. It is responsible for managing Ontario’s electricity system, overseeing the energy market, working with sector partners, and forecasting future supply and demand.

The IESO ensures Ontario has a reliable power grid by balancing supply from energy generators to meet energy demand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Day-ahead planning and forecasts help ensure generation is always available to meet needs. Long-term energy needs are also forecasted looking out 20 years ahead to inform future infrastructure, supply procurement and sustainability of the system.

Rules that govern participation in Ontario’s electricity market are set by the IESO to encourage open, dynamic and sustainable practices.

“It was helpful to get insight into how the whole energy system works in Ontario, from production to consumption,” said CAO Leanne Martin.

Energy in North America is transmitted over one interconnected grid regulated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Energy is imported and exported throughout this system to manage various supply and demand needs.

“It was an amazing integration between energy producers and those managing the demand side. To see the megawatts produced from nuclear, gas, wind, solar, hydro, and other generators update in real-time alongside Ontario’s demand was a unique experience,” said CLC Chair Jim Gowland.

Funding to cover the costs for the educational tour was provided through the Multi-Year Funding Agreement with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization.

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