Ask the right questions when assessing power plan, Transforming Toronto tells OPA

Transforming Toronto is telling the Ontario Power Authority to make sure it asks the right questions when the time comes to assess its Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP). In a written submission Wednesday, Transforming Toronto spokeperson David MacLeod called on the OPA to answer six key questions about its 20-year power plan for Ontario. MacLeod said the plan, which emphasizes nuclear energy and giant power lines, should be evaluated according to these criteria:

1. Could the OPA meet Ontario’s electricity requirements at a lower cost or lower risk (or both) by additional procurement from some or all of the following?
- Conservation, demand management, energy efficiency
- Renewable energy, including wind, solar, small run-of-river hydro, geothermal and biomass
- Combined heat and power

2. Does the IPSP sufficiently consider the social, environmental and health concerns of the proposed supply mix and associated infrastructure?

3. Has the IPSP fully pursued the potential for conservation and demand management as well as renewables beyond the minimum levels directed by the Minister?

4. Has the OPA’s analysis fully evaluated the potential for maximizing demand response resources, and does it provide for a process to facilitate such procurement?

5. Are the IPSP’s avoided cost estimates reasonable?

6. Does the IPSP properly account for the benefits of local distributed generation, both in terms of cost and system reliability/security?

To download the full submission, please click here.