It’s time for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to stop gaslighting our communities. On Dec. 23, 2022, Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith told the IESO in no uncertain terms that new gas plants and gas plant expansions require municipal support.
Instead of respecting the Minister’s directive, the IESO is trying to steamroller gas plant expansions through in Toronto, Brampton and Halton Hills, none of which have expressed support for burning more fossil gas in their communities. In fact, Toronto City Council has passed a resolution opposing new fossil fuel power generation projects in the municipality. All three municipalities have supported our call to phase out gas-fired generation.
That our provincially-controlled electricity planning agency can’t think of any better ways to keep the lights on than burning dirty fossil fuels is disgraceful, and a betrayal of the people of Ontario. Trying to do it without municipal permission is scandalous.
Toronto, Brampton and Halton Hills all have strong climate plans and targets – stronger targets than the Ontario government. They understand that increased gas burning will be a major impediment to them reaching their critical climate targets. Being on the front lines for flooding, extreme heat and increasingly intense storms, cities understand that we need to take climate change seriously. Instead of increasing use of fossil fuels, they are counting on the province to create a zero-carbon electricity system that supports a healthier future for their residents.
Cities also understand that choosing not just the most polluting but the most expensive way to keep our lights on makes little sense. Their climate plans call for major efforts to increase efficiency and help people get off gas. But the emission reduction gains driven by things like Toronto’s HELP program are going to be swamped by increased gas burning at the Portlands gas plant on Toronto’s waterfront.
The IESO needs to respect communities. It also needs to stop gaslighting us about how fossil fuels are the only way we can keep our lights on. It’s the only way only if you are determined to ignore all the better, cleaner and lower-cost alternatives.
Please send a message to Energy Minister Todd Smith and tell him to reinforce the need for municipal permission for new and expanded gas plants.