TORONTO — Evan Pivnick, associate director of public affairs at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to the Ontario Independent System Electricity Operator’s selection of 14 projects as part of its Long-Term 2 Energy Supply (Window 1):
“Yesterday, the Independent System Electricity Operator announced the selection of 14 projects as part of its competitive, technology-agnostic procurement process. The projects were selected based on cost-competitiveness, and all are renewable. This procurement truly demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy, not only around the world, but to power Ontario’s future.
“Clean Energy Canada welcomes the announcement of the 12 solar and two wind energy projects, which will supply Ontario with 1,315 megawatts of affordable, clean energy—enough to power more than 350,000 homes. This announcement from the IESO—the first competitive procurement in over a decade—is an important step toward embracing the opportunities that a clean electricity grid can provide.
“Offering both affordability and energy security benefits to ratepayers, wind and solar are not subject to the geopolitical pressures that lead to insecure supply chains and seesawing fossil fuel prices. In a market where weighted wholesale prices swung from $25/megawatt-hour to nearly $140/MWh over the last 12 months, locking in 20-year contracts at an average of $87.80/MWh through an open and competitive process provides long-term price stability for households in the coming years as overall demand continues to rise.
“Renewables also provide the benefit of fast deployment. The projects announced yesterday will come online by 2030, delivering new clean supply within the decade when Ontario needs it most. Additionally, they obtained strong municipal support, will create jobs for Ontarians, and contribute to economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities, since all projects have First Nations partners with at least 50% equity ownership.
“Clean Energy Canada congratulates the successful proponents, as well as the IESO, for running Ontario’s largest-ever competitive energy procurement.”