Ontario’s Integrated Electricity Plan (IEP) details a comprehensive strategy for the province’s energy future, positioning Ontario as a significant exporter of clean energy to both Canada and the United States. A key aspect of this vision involves establishing an east-west energy corridor, intended to facilitate access to Western Canadian natural resources and decrease dependence on electricity imports from the U.S. The plan also calls for action from the federal government, specifically advocating for the repeal of the *Impact Assessment Act* to alleviate investment delays and uncertainties.

The IEP highlights several crucial energy sources and infrastructure components. Nuclear power remains a cornerstone of Ontario’s energy supply, with a focus on future nuclear project development. Significant investments are planned for energy storage solutions, and the plan emphasizes greater involvement of Indigenous communities in energy projects through financial support, capacity building, and collaborative policy development. Strengthening local distribution companies (LDCs) is also a priority, along with improvements to the province’s transmission infrastructure, aiming for streamlined development processes.

Several initiatives are underway to implement the IEP’s goals. The Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) is receiving expanded funding, reaching $25 million annually, and now supports a broader range of technologies, including a new funding stream dedicated to reducing diesel use in remote First Nations. New regulations are being developed to lower connection costs for both residential and industrial developments seeking access to electricity infrastructure. Efforts to streamline project approvals, particularly for transmission lines through the Class Environmental Assessment process, are also in progress. A commitment to fostering Indigenous leadership and equity partnerships in energy project development is central to the plan’s approach.

Looking ahead, several priority areas will drive Ontario’s energy evolution. These include bolstering cybersecurity for the electricity grid, modernizing existing infrastructure, and enhancing the resilience of the system to withstand extreme weather events and other disruptions. A continued focus on reducing diesel reliance for power generation in remote First Nations is also crucial.

For inquiries regarding the Integrated Electricity Plan, contact can be made with Marina Sampson (Partner, Toronto) or Gwenyth Wren (Associate, Toronto) at McCarthy Tétrault, or through the provided contact form.