Ontario’s first Integrated Energy Plan builds on progress while failing to address security and affordability concerns of natural gas - Clean Energy Canada

Ontario’s first Integrated Energy Plan, released recently, advances the province’s leadership in modernizing its electricity system by emphasizing distributed energy resources (such as battery storage, rooftop solar, and smart EV charging) and energy efficiency. These initiatives are seen as positive steps that can help address cost-of-living challenges and serve as a model for other Canadian jurisdictions. The plan also initiates an integrated energy planning process, which is a significant development for the province’s energy strategy. However, the plan has notable shortcomings, particularly regarding natural gas. While it sets broad goals around affordability, security, reliability, and clean energy, it lacks specific targets or metrics to measure progress. Independent modeling accompanying the plan highlights risks associated with continued reliance on natural gas, especially for household energy affordability. Contrary to these findings, the plan proposes expanding natural gas use in electricity and distribution systems, which could undermine potential consumer savings from electrification and clean technologies. Thus, despite the plan’s strengths, significant concerns remain about its ability to meet