Ontario has released its 2013 Long-Term Energy Plan, Achieving Balance, which focuses on conservation, demand management and renewables to meet the province's energy needs. It also envisions a reduction in projected cost increases by $16 billion in the near term (2013-2017) and $70 billion to 2030. While rates are expected to rise significantly, the new Plan will not raise costs as dramatically as anticipated in the 2010 version. Industrial consumers can expect to pay $3 million less than expected over the next five years and $11 million less to 2030.

By 2025, nearly half of Ontario's installed generating capacity will come from renewable sources. To achieve "balance" in the energy sector, Ontario will

  • implement conservation programs and standards to offset most growth in electricity demand over the next 20 years. Ontario will take a "conservation first" stance with energy agencies and the Ontario Energy Board
  • expand Demand Response programs to help achieve a 10% reduction in peak demand by 2025
  • extend the phase-in of wind, solar and bio-energy for three more years, with 10,700 megawatts online by 2021
  • increase the province's hydroelectric portfolio to 9,300 megawatts by 2025
  • develop a new competitive procurement process with the Ontario Power Authority for future renewable projects larger than 500 kilowatts, which will consider local needs and Aboriginal community participation
  • make new financing tools available to consumers starting in 2015, including programs to incent energy efficient retrofits to residential properties
  • move ahead with nuclear refurbishment at both Darlington and Bruce Generating Stations beginning in 2016. However, Ontario will not proceed with the construction of two new reactors at Darlington. Nuclear's share of Ontario's energy production will drop from 59% in 2013 to 42% in 2025
  • encourage First Nation and Métis participation in transmission and renewable energy projects.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.