Ontario recognizes that onsite solar and storage, plus predictable procurements including wind and solar energy, are key to delivering reliable, affordable power to communities, farmers and businesses.
Toronto, June 12, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is encouraged to see Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and predictable procurement windows emphasized in Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan (IEP), which was announced in a press conference today by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, and Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries.
According to the Ministry, the IEP, entitled “Energy for Generations,” aims to provide a coordinated, long-term approach to ensure Ontario has the energy it needs to power homes, businesses, and industry with abundant, reliable, clean, and affordable energy supply.
CanREA worked with the government and its agencies to inform aspects of this plan, contributing our expertise to help shape the DER approach and procurement strategy.
“The government’s continued commitment to competitive, transparent procurements—reaffirmed in the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP)—will drive low-cost clean energy investments that benefit Ontario ratepayers,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
CanREA has long advocated for consistent procurements, with open processes, as the most effective way for investors and developers to successfully build out the new wind, solar and energy storage projects needed to help meet growing demand in Ontario.
“We are also encouraged that the IEP identifies the critical actions needed to fully leverage the significant potential of distributed energy resources (DERs) that bring energy and resilience to all regions in the province,” said Bellissimo.
Specifically, the IEP indicates the intention to create a DER stream in the IESO’s Enabling Resources Program and to enable broader opportunities for DERs in IESO procurements and programs. The government also plans to review Ontario’s net metering framework and launch a Local Generation Program to create new pathways for DER providers.
As a whole, the DER strategy clearly recognizes CanREA’s position that rooftop solar and batteries are ready to play a growing role in delivering reliable, affordable power to Ontario’s communities, farmers and businesses.
“Going forward, CanREA is ready to help the government and its agencies execute key initiatives from the Integrated Energy Plan, and CanREA members will continue to invest in clean energy projects in this province through Ontario’s upcoming procurements and programs,” said Eric Muller, CanREA’s Ontario Director.
Quotes
“The government’s continued commitment to competitive, transparent procurements—reaffirmed in the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP)—will drive low-cost clean energy investments that benefit Ontario ratepayers. We are encouraged that the IEP identifies the critical actions needed to fully leverage the significant potential of distributed energy resources that bring energy and resilience to all regions in the province.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“Going forward, CanREA is ready to help the government and its agencies execute key initiatives from the Integrated Energy Plan, and CanREA members will continue to invest in clean energy projects in this province through Ontario’s upcoming procurements and programs.”
—Eric Muller, Ontario Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
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About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.