Tag: Ontario

CanREA congratulates winners of Ontario MT2 RFP 

Posted on by Judy Mitri

16 Ontario wind projects, totalling more than 963 MW, were selected for recontracting in the IESO’s second medium-term request for proposals. 

Toronto, May 9, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates seven member companies for their selection in Ontario’s second medium-term request for proposals (MT2 RFP), as announced today by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). 

The MT2 RFP aims to recontract electricity resources with expiring contracts for a new, five-year term, to ensure the continued reliability and cost-effectiveness of Ontario’s electricity system.  

“As this RFP demonstrates, Ontario’s existing fleet of wind farms can continue delivering much-needed renewable energy to the grid for many more years to come. Soon, these well-established assets will be complemented by new projects as Ontario invests in its affordable, clean and reliable energy future,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

CanREA Industry Leader member company Engie, Terawatt members Acciona, Capstone, Enbridge and Kruger, and Gigawatt members Brookfield Renewable (Evolugen) and Capital Power, were among the 16 Ontario wind projects, totalling more than 963 MW, selected for recontracting through the MT2 RFP.  

This represents more than half of the 28 projects, totalling more than 3000 MW, that were successful in the RFP’s two streams, capacity and energy. 

“CanREA worked closely with the IESO on the development of this procurement before its launch last November, and we are thrilled to see our members succeed today. Wind energy, along with solar energy and energy storage, will help ensure Ontario’s near-term reliability and economic growth,” said Eric Muller, CanREA’s Ontario Director.  

CanREA will continue to actively engage with the IESO and the Ontario government in the development of other critical procurements, such as the LT2. The IESO is currently in the process of awarding the contracts and will publish the details once they are fully executed, which is targeted for June. 

Quotes 

“As this RFP demonstrates, Ontario’s existing fleet of wind farms can continue delivering much-needed renewable energy to the grid for many more years to come. Soon, these well-established assets will be complemented by new projects, as Ontario invests in its affordable, clean and reliable energy future.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

“CanREA worked closely with the IESO on the development of this procurement before its launch last November, and we are thrilled to see our members succeed today. Wind energy, along with solar energy and energy storage, will help ensure Ontario’s near-term reliability and economic growth.”   

—Eric Muller, Ontario Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact: 

Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
613-227-5378 
communications@renewablesassociation.ca 

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. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca. 

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CanREA applauds Ontario’s new energy efficiency framework

News Release | January 7, 2025

CanREA applauds Ontario’s new energy efficiency framework

— The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Ontario government for its new energy efficiency framework, as announced todayby Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce.  The 12-year, $10.9 billion framework includes a significant rebate of up to 30% (to $10,000) for homeowners and small business owners interested in installingbehind-the-meter […]

STATEMENT: CanREA welcomes launch of Ontario’s expanded new procurement

News Release | December 11, 2024

STATEMENT: CanREA welcomes launch of Ontario’s expanded new procurement

STATEMENT: December 11, 2024—CanREA welcomes Ontario’s ministerial directive to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), launching the province’s highly anticipated—and expanded—Second Long-Term Procurement (LT2). This is the renewable energy industry’s first opportunity in nearly a decade to propose new projects in Ontario.

CanREA applauds Ontario’s new energy efficiency framework

Posted on by Melissa McDougall

Ontario will offer homeowners and small business owners a 30% rebate (up to $10,000) for new solar panels and battery storage.

Toronto, Ontario, January 7, 2025 — The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Ontario government for its new energy efficiency framework, as announced today by Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce.  The 12-year, $10.9 billion framework includes a significant rebate of up to 30% (to $10,000) for homeowners and small business owners interested in installing behind-the-meter (BTM) generation and distributed energy resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar and energy storage. 

“The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Ontario government’s forward-looking approach to meeting the province’s growing energy needs. Supporting distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar power and energy storage, unlocks significant potential for homeowners, businesses, First Nations and communities across the province, while securing a resilient and affordable energy future for generations to come,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of CanREA. 

As a key advocate for the integration of DERs and BTM solutions in Ontario, CanREA recognizes this announcement as a significant step forward for the sector. Ontario’s newly expanded energy efficiency programs are poised to drive significant business growth for local solar and energy storage companies, fostering innovation and supporting clean energy jobs throughout the province. 

As CanREA has noted in its Go Solar Guide, onsite solar panels and other DERs offer a range of benefits to customers and to the province: they are low-cost and rapidly deployable, they reduce the demand for electricity from the central grid, and they enhance grid reliability by producing power locally. Placing energy generation closer to where it is used helps defer or avoid the need for costly transmission infrastructure, thus minimizing long-distance electricity transmission and promoting a more efficient, sustainable energy system overall.  

Currently, DERs such as rooftop solar and on-site energy storage already contribute over 3,000 MW to Ontario’s grid. According to the Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors report, “BTM Solar: Canadian Market Outlook,” DERs have the potential to add 2,000 MW by 2029, 4,300 MW by 2034, and a remarkable 16,300 MW by 2050. These resources are crucial to meeting Ontario’s growing electricity demands and supporting a clean energy future.  

CanREA is also pleased that the new framework includes programs specifically tailored for on-reserve First Nations, ensuring these communities can benefit directly from energy efficiency and clean energy opportunities, including on-site solar and energy storage. 

“By putting customers at the forefront, these new and enhanced programs create meaningful opportunities for Ontarians to take control of their energy use and reduce costs,” said Bellissimo.  

CanREA looks forward to continuing to work with the Ontario government, the Independent Electricity System Operator and the Ontario Energy Board on enabling and integrating DERs, including streamlining connection processes and fees across all of Ontario’s local electric utilities. 

Photo, clockwise from L to R: Heidi Bredenholler-Prasad (VP, Commercial, Strategy and Business Development, Enbridge Gas), Sam Oosterhoff (Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries), Stephen Lecce (Minister of Energy and Electrification), Steven Greenley (VP, Commercial Services, Gas and Storage, Enbridge Inc), Lesley Gallinger (President and CEO, IESO).

Quotes

“The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Ontario government’s forward-looking approach to meeting the province’s growing energy needs. Supporting distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar power and energy storage unlocks significant potential for homeowners, businesses, First Nations and communities across the province, while securing a resilient and affordable energy future for generations to come. By putting customers at the forefront, these new and enhanced programs create meaningful opportunities for Ontarians to take control of their energy use and reduce costs.” 

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

For interview opportunities, please contact:

Michaela Ianni, Communications Specialist
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

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 Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

STATEMENT: CanREA welcomes launch of Ontario’s expanded new procurement

Posted on by Melissa McDougall

The renewable energy industry celebrates its first opportunity in nearly a decade to propose new projects in Ontario.

Toronto, Ontario, December 11, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes Ontario’s ministerial directive to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), launching the province’s highly anticipated Second Long-Term Procurement (LT2), as announced today by Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce.

CanREA is particularly pleased that the LT2 procurement is now targeting up to 7,500 MW, an increase of 50% since it was first announced in August. The procurement represents the first time in nearly ten years that the wind and solar industry will have an opportunity to propose new projects in Ontario.

“Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage industry is excited to welcome the Government of Ontario’s expanded LT2 electricity procurement. Together with local community and Indigenous partners, our members are ready to compete for the opportunity to provide affordable, reliable and clean electricity to Ontario families and businesses,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA.

LT2 is a competitive procurement for new electricity generation resources through annual intake windows over the next four years (2025-2028). This approach provides developers and investors with more certainty and multiple opportunities over the four-year period to put forward clean energy projects that will help Ontario become an energy superpower. The LT2 energy stream will procure up to 14 terawatt-hours (TWh) of new energy-producing resources and the LT2 capacity stream will procure up to 1,600 MW of new capacity resources.

“Today’s announcement is great news for the renewables industry and great news for Ontario. The province needs much more power, and renewables and energy storage will contribute significantly to meeting this need,” said Eric Muller, CanREA’s Ontario Director, who was on site for the announcement, accompanied by the Vice-Chair of CanREA’s Board of Directors, Adam Rosso (Senior Vice President of Development, North America, Boralex Inc).

“This procurement also presents tremendous opportunities for Indigenous communities, farmers, landowners and rural municipalities to participate in, and benefit from, significant new investments in wind, solar and energy storage,” said Muller, as all project proposals will be required to secure local municipal support, and projects with Indigenous equity ownership will receive additional rated criteria points in the procurement process.

Responsibly sited wind, solar and energy storage projects will generate tens of billions in private sector investment across the province.

Over the past year, CanREA has been actively working with government and the IESO to set the stage for this procurement. CanREA will continue to engage with government ministries and agencies on permitting, siting and land-use rules and regulations to ensure that the procurement results in the lowest-cost, highest-benefit outcomes for Ontarians.

In addition to the LT2 procurement announcement, the Ontario Government directed the IESO to report back by April 30, 2025 on a proposal for a local small generation program that would help extend contracts for existing small-scale electricity projects and support the development of new ones, like smaller solar installations that connect directly to local utility grids.

Photo, from L to R: Eric Muller (CanREA), Adam Rosso (CanREA Board of Directors, Boralex), Minister Stephen Lecce (Ontario Ministry of Energy and Electrification), Chuck Farmer (Independent Electricity System Operator), Barbara Ellard (Independent Electricity System Operator).

Quotes

“Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage industry is excited to welcome the Government of Ontario’s expanded LT2 electricity procurement. Together with local community and Indigenous partners, our members are ready to compete for the opportunity to provide affordable, reliable and clean electricity to Ontario families and businesses.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

“Today’s announcement is great news for the renewables industry and great news for Ontario. The province needs much more power, and renewables and energy storage will contribute significantly to meeting this need. This procurement also presents tremendous opportunities for Indigenous communities, farmers, landowners and rural municipalities to participate in, and benefit from, significant new investments in wind, solar and energy storage.”

—Eric Muller, Ontario Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

For interview opportunities, please contact:

Michaela Ianni, Communications Specialist
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

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 Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

STATEMENT: Ontario releases new Vision for Affordable Energy Future

Posted on by Melissa McDougall

CanREA applauds Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification’s vision and commitment to affordable, reliable and clean electricity 

Toronto, Ontario, October 22, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Ontario government’s commitment to affordable, reliable and clean electricity in its new vision for affordable energy, Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future: The Pressing Case for More Power, released today by Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification, and Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries.

This new vision aims to drive savings through competition, recognizing that renewables and distributed energy resources (DERs) are a critical part of the solution for Ontario’s growing energy needs. It outlines the government’s commitment to affordability and aims to reduce province-wide emissions as the province deals with growing demand for energy.  

“It will take all forms of energy to meet growing electricity demand, but what we need right now are affordable, clean and reliable solutions that are quickly deployable, flexible and scalable. Wind and solar energy are the most affordable sources of new electricity generation that can be built today, in Ontario, across Canada, and around the world,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.  

Minister Lecce was joined at the announcement by CanREA Board member David Eva, CEO, Capstone Infrastructure Corporation and Michèle Smith, Vice President of Business Management at CanREA Industry Leader member company, Potentia Renewables Inc.  

“CanREA’s members are ready to deliver the cost-effective, scalable and flexible wind, solar and energy-storage solutions that Ontario customers need,” said Bellissimo. 

CanREA also welcomes the government’s announcement today that they will release the province’s first ever long-term Integrated Energy Plan. The province’s plan will coordinate all energy resources, including electricity, natural gas and other fuels, over a long-term planning horizon to 2050.   

“For Ontario, a new energy vision and a long-term integrated energy plan will help ensure that the entire energy sector is rowing in the same direction. Together, we can reduce both costs and emissions while driving Ontario’s economic growth,” said Eric Muller, CanREA’s Director for Ontario. 

Going forward, CanREA will continue to collaborate with the Ontario government to advance wind energy, solar energy and energy storage, in support of Ontario’s competitive advantage as a clean energy leader.  

Quotes

“It will take all forms of energy to meet growing electricity demand, but what we need right now are affordable, clean and reliable solutions that are quickly deployable, flexible and scalable. Wind and solar energy are the most affordable sources of new electricity generation that can be built today, in Ontario, across Canada, and around the world. CanREA’s members are ready to deliver the cost-effective, scalable and flexible wind, solar and energy-storage solutions Ontario customers need.” 

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

“For Ontario, a new energy vision and a long-term integrated energy plan will help ensure that the entire energy sector is rowing in the same direction. Together, we can reduce both costs and emissions while driving Ontario’s economic growth.” 

—Eric Muller, Director for Ontario, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

For interview opportunities, please contact: 

Michaela Ianni, Communications Specialist 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
communications@renewablesassociation.ca 

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 Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

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STATEMENT: Ontario getting closer to new competitive energy procurement  

News Release | August 28, 2024

STATEMENT: Ontario getting closer to new competitive energy procurement  

—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce’s to advance the launch of the second long-term (LT2) procurement, through a ministerial letterto the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). […]

NEWS RELEASE: CanREA welcomes Ontario Minister of Energy and Minister of Agriculture’s new joint letter to the IESO 

News Release | June 7, 2024

NEWS RELEASE: CanREA welcomes Ontario Minister of Energy and Minister of Agriculture’s new joint letter to the IESO 

—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) supports greater clarity on the siting of renewable energy and energy storage in Ontario, as expressed in a to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) by the Ontario Minister of Energy and the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. […]

STATEMENT: Ontario getting closer to new competitive energy procurement  

Posted on by Melissa McDougall

CanREA welcomes Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification’s announcement of a new letter to the IESO, bringing the province one step closer to a highly anticipated procurement. 

King City, Ontario, August 28, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce’s announcement today to advance the launch of the second long-term (LT2) procurement, through a ministerial letter to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). 

The announcement took place on location at Kinghaven Farms—an agricultural operation powered by more than 1,000 rooftop solar panels—where Minister Lecce was joined at the podium by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rob Flack, the Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff, local MPPs Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Logan Kanapathi, Laura Smith and Daisy Wai, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Drew Spoelstra, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario President Robin Jones, and CanREA’s Vice President of Policy—Eastern Canada and Utility Affairs, Leonard Kula. 

“Today’s announcement is positive news for the renewables industry, and positive news for Ontario,” said Kula in his remarks. 

This announcement brings the industry one step closer to the LT2 procurement of 5,000 MW of new electricity resources by 2034, including wind and solar, which was first introduced last December.

“This is a highly anticipated procurement and we are excited to get started,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA).  

“CanREA’s member companies have decades of experience building renewable energy and energy storage projects across Canada, in successful partnerships with project stakeholders and rights holders such as Indigenous communities, municipalities, landowners and farmers. Together with these partners, our members are ready to quickly deploy new, low-cost and reliable wind and solar projects in Ontario, to help extend the province’s clean-energy advantage,” said Bellissimo. 

At press time, the content of the ministerial letter has not yet been made public, but Minister Lecce made clear in his remarks that:  

  • The procurement should be transparent, competitive and cost-effective. 
  • It should secure technology-agnostic energy resources, including wind and solar. 
  • The IESO is expected to report back with a procurement design framework by September 20, 2024, and consider how to conclude energy and capacity procurements by February 28, 2026. 

“When it comes to growing the electricity system, we need competitive, efficient and effective procurements. CanREA has been actively working with government and agencies to create the environment in which such procurements can be successful. We will continue to stress the importance of visibility, predictability and transparency in procurement design,” said Kula. 

Specifically, it will be important to refine the procurement process and ensure that Ontario has clear regulations around three key factors for success: appropriate project siting, crown land access, and the transmission assets required to bring this affordable and clean power to customers.  

With the support of rural municipalities, and in partnership with Indigenous communities, responsibly sited wind energy, solar energy and energy storage projects can support economic growth across the province.  

As the lowest-cost source of new, quickly deployable electricity generation available today, renewables are a critical part of the solution for Ontario’s growing energy needs. 

Quotes

“This is a highly anticipated procurement and we are excited to get started. CanREA’s member companies have decades of experience building renewable energy and energy storage projects across Canada, in successful partnerships with project stakeholders and rights holders such as Indigenous communities, municipalities, landowners and farmers. Together with these partners, our members are ready to quickly deploy new, low-cost and reliable wind and solar projects in Ontario, to help extend the province’s clean-energy advantage.”  

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)  

“Today’s announcement is positive news for the renewables industry, and positive news for Ontario. When it comes to growing the electricity system, we need competitive, efficient and effective procurements. CanREA has been actively working with government and agencies to create the environment in which such procurements can be successful. We will continue to stress the importance of visibility, predictability and transparency in procurement design.” 

—Leonard Kula, CanREA’s Vice President of Policy—Eastern Canada and Utility Affairs 

For interview opportunities, please contact: 

Michaela Ianni, Communications Specialist 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
communications@renewablesassociation.ca 

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 Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

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CanREA congratulates winners of Ontario MT2 RFP 

News Release | May 9, 2025

CanREA congratulates winners of Ontario MT2 RFP 

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates seven member companies for their selection in Ontario’s second medium-term request for proposals (MT2 RFP), as by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). […]

CanREA applauds Ontario’s new energy efficiency framework

News Release | January 7, 2025

CanREA applauds Ontario’s new energy efficiency framework

— The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Ontario government for its new energy efficiency framework, as announced todayby Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce.  The 12-year, $10.9 billion framework includes a significant rebate of up to 30% (to $10,000) for homeowners and small business owners interested in installingbehind-the-meter […]