October 4, 2022 update
The IESO has received a ministerial directive in connection with the 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Framework to enable additional CDM programming through a $342 million increase to the budget, from $692 million to a total of just over $1 billion. This new funding and programming will deliver additional peak electricity demand savings of 285 megawatts (MW) and annual energy savings of 1.1 terawatt (TWh) by 2025; the four-year framework is expected to achieve a total of 725 MW of peak demand savings and 3.8 TWh of electricity savings.
The IESO projected in its 2021 Annual Planning Outlook that there would be a need for additional electricity capacity beginning in 2025, and the 2022 Annual Acquisition Report identified necessary actions to ensure system reliability, including new energy-efficiency programs. The government accepted the IESO’s recommendation to roll out new and expanded energy-efficiency programs, which are among the lowest-cost ways of meeting system needs. These programs are expected to be available to eligible electricity consumers beginning in spring 2023.
The new and enhanced programs include:
The targeted support for greenhouse growers will have a particular impact in Southwest Ontario, with regional peak demand savings of 225 MW. This will help to alleviate electricity system constraints in the region and foster economic development.
The overall savings from this enhanced CDM programming will result in an estimated three million tonnes of greenhouse gas emission reductions over the lifetime of the energy-efficiency measures implemented through the programs.
More information will be posted on the Save on Energy website on the new and enhanced programs as it becomes available.
The IESO has received a ministerial directive in connection with the 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Framework to enable additional CDM programming through a $342 million increase to the budget, from $692 million to a total of just over $1 billion. This new funding and programming will deliver additional peak electricity demand savings of 285 megawatts (MW) and annual energy savings of 1.1 terawatt (TWh) by 2025; the four-year framework is expected to achieve a total of 725 MW of peak demand savings and 3.8 TWh of electricity savings.
The CDM framework will continue to focus on cost-effectively meeting the needs of Ontario’s electricity system, including achieving provincial peak demand reductions, as well as targeted approaches to address regional and local electricity system needs. Opportunities for consumers include support to better manage electricity costs, to improve the overall efficiency of buildings, facilities and communities, and to build awareness of energy-efficiency best practices and behaviours.
In response to the IESO publishing its 2022 Annual Acquisition Report, the Minister of Energy asked the IESO on April 4, 2022, to explore new procurement opportunities to address the additional needs identified in the report, as well to examine and report back with options for cost-effective additional CDM programming that would contribute to meeting electricity system needs.
The IESO submitted its report in July 2022, and the government accepted the IESO’s recommendation for new and expanded energy-efficiency programs, which are among the lowest-cost ways of meeting system needs. The programs are expected to be available to eligible electricity customers beginning in spring 2023.
The government recognizes that CDM programs help consumers manage their energy costs, help cost-effectively address system needs and are an important contributor to Ontario’s economy.
No, the additional budget and CDM programming opportunities that will be introduced in spring 2023 will not affect program participants who currently have active applications or projects under way.
The new or enhanced programs include:
The new programs and program enhancements are expected to be available to eligible electricity consumers in spring 2023. More information on the programs will be posted on the Save on Energy website when it is available.
The following additional Save on Energy programs were already planned to launch in 2023:
In addition, the IESO continues to evaluate its current program offering and may introduce program changes – such as additional measures and new delivery approaches – throughout the remainder of the four-year framework.
The new and enhanced program designs are informed by insights, lessons learned and direct feedback from Save on Energy delivery partners, program participants and other stakeholders.
As new programs are developed or current programs are enhanced, the IESO will continue to engage with customers and stakeholders.