The Government of Ontario today released the province's most recent Long Term Energy Plan ("LTEP"). A copy of LTEP materials can be accessed by clicking here. As expected, the LTEP did not provide any drastic supply mix or policy changes from current plans. However, there are a number of changes that are worth noting.
Major Supply Changes:
- As expected, there will be no new nuclear facilities;
- A schedule has been set for the refurbishment of the Bruce and Darlington nuclear facilities, starting in 2016;
- The target for non-hydro renewable capacity remains unchanged, but its implementation is extended from 2018 to 2021 – the goal is for procurements of 300 MW of wind, 140 MW of solar and 50 MW of bioenergy for each of 2014 and 2015; and
- Demand reduction targets have increased to 10% of forecasted demand by 2025 (however, when combined with other types of conservation, the total conservation targets are not dramatically changed).
Major Policy Changes:
- Placing greater reliance on regional planning, including municipalities and local communities – which could have a major impact on the development of large wind projects;
- Avoiding commitments to new supply facilities unless and until necessary to do so; and
- Providing annual updates on forecasts and achievement of goals.
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