Last week, the Government of Ontario introduced the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, which will require Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to open up its procurements for new electricity supply to renewable power projects located in Manitoba and Quebec.
Virtually 100% of Manitoba and Quebec’s electricity is produced by low-cost wind and water power. As a result, Winnipeg’s and Montreal’s residential electricity rates are 30% and almost 50% lower than Toronto’s respectively.
Electricity free trade with our Canadian neighbours will lead to lower electricity rates for Ontario’s homes and business and help us reduce our need to import American gas to keep our lights on. Currently, more than 70% of Ontario’s gas is imported from the U.S.
Premier Ford’s announcement came just two days after Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba announced that, due to the expiry of Manitoba Hydro export contracts to the U.S., Manitoba will have 450 megawatts (MW) of power available for export to Ontario or western Canada.
Premier Kinew is also calling for the federal government to help expand Canada’s east-west electricity grid.
Next Steps
Currently Ontario’s transmission system has the physical capacity to import 250 MW from Manitoba and 2,050 MW from Quebec, whereas our annual peak day demand for electricity is approximately 23,000 MW.
To maximize the economic and energy security benefits of the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, we need to expand our east-west electricity transmission grid.
According to an IESO report, relatively modest improvements to the Hydro One transmission system in the Ottawa-area would permit us to import an additional 2,000 MW from Quebec. Premier Ford should direct Hydro One to proceed with these improvements ASAP.
In addition, Premier Ford should direct the IESO to work with Manitoba Hydro to evaluate the costs and benefits of expanding our transmission links with Manitoba.
What you can do
Please contact Premier Ford to let him know that you support his plans to open up Ontario’s electricity procurements to renewable power projects located in Manitoba and Quebec. Ask him to expand our east-west electricity transmission system to make the most of this opportunity ASAP.