Ontario aiming to become energy superpower, Lecce says

Ontario's energy minister says he wants the province's electricity system to not just be able to meet an expected 75 per cent increase in demand, but to exceed it.

Ontario’s energy minister says he wants the province’s electricity system to not just be able to meet an expected 75 per cent increase in demand, but to exceed it and be able to sell excess power to other jurisdictions.

Stephen Lecce is releasing a document today that outlines his vision for a clean, reliable and affordable grid, as well as how to integrate electricity planning with other aspects of the energy system.

The release follows an announcement last week from the Independent Electricity System Operator, which said that demand is increasing faster than previously anticipated and is set to grow by 75 per cent leading up to 2050.

The Ministry of Energy and Electrification says in the document that the province will continue prioritizing nuclear and hydroelectric generation for baseload power, but that Ontario also needs natural gas generation for reliability as it is more able to respond to peak demands.

In 2021, the electricity system was 94 per cent emissions-free, and that is now down to 87 per cent as the province relies more on natural gas generation — but the ministry says that natural gas will help reduce emissions in the province overall by supporting broader electrification.

Lecce says Ontario’s grid is one of the cleanest in the world, and the province can use that to its advantage to become an energy superpower.

“Our priority is obviously first and foremost securing affordable energy for the people of Ontario,” he said in an interview.

“But yes, we do believe Ontario is well-positioned. We already are a net exporter of clean energy into the U.S. We want to scale that up with a focus on delivering jobs and revenue back to Ontarians.”