As the GTA continues to grow and evolve, the supply of electricity also needs to keep pace with demand. As the organization that manages Ontario’s electricity system, the Independent Electricity System Operator is looking at all options to ensure there’s power when you need it.
What’s happening?
To prepare for the GTA’s growing electricity needs, the IESO is planning for the future. We are forecasting demand and assessing the grid's ability to deliver more electricity.
We are exploring options such as new transmission lines, generation, energy-efficiency programs and other electricity infrastructure, that will allow the GTA to continue to depend on a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity system.
Why is this happening?
A key responsibility of the IESO is to match how much electricity we have available (supply) with how much electricity we need (demand). In Ontario, electricity demand is expected to grow 75 per cent over the next 25 years.
In the GTA, electricity demand could grow even faster. New housing developments, electrification and expanding industry and businesses in the region will draw significant amounts of electricity from the grid.
Development plans, electrification and population growth are driving electricity demand up across the GTA.
Ontario's electricity demand to grow 75% over 25 years
Planning regions
For planning purposes, the Greater Toronto Area is made up of four regions - West, North, the city of Toronto and East. Each have their own 20-year electricity plan which are re-evaluated at least every five years.
NOTE: Planning regions are defined by electrical infrastructure and may include communities from adjacent areas. For example, the town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is included in GTA North planning.
We acknowledge that this work takes place on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. Today, Toronto is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. The city is also covered by Treaty 13, signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties, signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
Ontario’s electricity planning process
To make sure that all regions in Ontario have enough power for the future, the IESO has a clear and thorough regional planning process:
Understand the Needs
Working with others to understand each region’s unique needs, how much energy will be required, and if existing infrastructure, like transmission lines, can support this demand.
Develop Potential Solutions
Analyzing what kinds of electricity generation, storage, energy-efficiency programs or transmission infrastructure could be considered to address the needs.
Make recommendations
Preparing a plan with recommendations for ensuring there is an adequate and reliable electricity supply for the region.
About the IESO
The IESO works at the heart of Ontario’s power system, ensuring that electricity is available where and when it is needed.
From our control room, we operate the system in real-time, balancing electricity supply with electricity demand 24 hours per day, seven days per week. To make sure the province’s power grid can meet future needs, we forecast electricity demand, evaluate the system’s ability to meet that demand, plan new infrastructure projects, and secure new sources of electricity supply.
To do this, we work closely with communities and other partners to understand local electricity requirements and priorities, and to identify the best options to meet growing electricity needs.
IESO system control room
Learn more
If you live or work in the GTA, the IESO offers more information about the region’s electricity needs. Learn more about the IESO’s planning process.