Ontario’s Power Grid Upgrades: What They Mean for Reliability
Ontario is currently at the start of its 25-year roadmap to improve the reliability and efficiency of its power grid. With a surging increase in power demands, it’s no wonder there’s been a need for significant upgrades to the power system. From aging infrastructure, weather impacts, and increased demand for clean energy and smart technology, the new energy plan has some bold aims. In this blog, we will break down exactly what’s promised in the new energy plan.
Ontario's Bold Energy Plans and Grid Upgrades
Earlier this year, Ontario released its Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) plans. This 25-year roadmap outlines plans for scaling and improving the grid, making it more reliable, affordable, and easily accessible.
They have big plans for Ontario’s energy systems, and the main people dealing with these new demands are the local distribution companies (LDCs). LDCs are local electricity companies working to supply power to you. With the new energy plans and grid upgrades come increased pressure on these companies to keep up with operational and financial upgrades being pushed upon them.
This means making sure voltage and frequency levels remain stable—especially during peak times and surges—balancing supply and demand, and responding to unexpected grid events efficiently. Here are some of the ways Ontario are planning on upgrading the power supply system:
Grid Modernization
Much of Ontario’s transmission lines and infrastructure was built many years ago. A lot will need full replacement to avoid the risk of equipment failure, while some will need upgrading with new, smart technologies. The IESO recognizes the growing value of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and plans to invest more in the integration of local generation, smart home systems, batteries, and electric vehicles to support a more reliable and flexible grid.
Expanding Transmission Capacity
A common cause of power outages is strain on the grid. Ontario’s energy demand is growing rapidly, and to keep up with rising demands, it must improve the current transmission lines. Part of this plan is to expand and upgrade transmission capacity and introduce new lines to connect Ontario with renewable energy resources.
Electrification and EV integration
Following the surge of electrification in recent years, the grid will need updates to keep up with the increase in electrification across transport and home heating. Electric cars are on the rise, while residential and commercial sectors are shifting to electric heating, increasing the demand on Ontario’s power lines. Ontario aims to strengthen the grid by investing in new transmission and distribution lines to better deal with the enormous strain, especially during peak times.
Clean Energy
The Energy Innovation Program prioritizes clean energy, and while Ontario currently relies mostly on nuclear and hydro energy, there’s a plan to feature more solar and wind energy in the future. Utility-scale battery storage is being introduced to store excess energy produced and release it during peak demand. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus and the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max are portable power stations you can use in your home in a similar way. You can charge the batteries via solar panels, AC, or your car, and use the stored energy during peak times, allowing you to save on your energy bill and take another step towards a greener future.
Improving Grid Resilience
One key aim of the new energy plan is to protect the grid against the likes of extreme weather and cybersecurity threats. Extreme weather concerns are rising thanks to climate change, with Canadians seeing more and more severe storms, snow, ice, and heatwaves.
The planned upgrades include weather-proofing the grid so it can withstand any extreme weather events. Meanwhile, cybersecurity is another growing threat that the plan addresses. LDCs are expected to react more quickly to cyber threats and increase investments to protect against data breaches and coordinated attacks on critical systems.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Does Ontario Get Most of Its Power From?
According to a 2024 report by the IESO, Ontario gets 51% of its power supply from nuclear power, operating 24/7 to supply reliable power. Hydropower comes in second, followed by solar and wind energy.
How Does Ontario’s Power Grid Work?
Ontario’s power grid is complex; the IESO manages the supply and demand to keep the power system working efficiently. Electricity is directed from nuclear, hydro, etc., through various transmission lines, and makes its way to the LDCs, which then supply the power directly to your home.
Ontario Power Grid Upgrades Enhance Energy Reliability
From integrating clean energy, improving EV integration, and expanding transmission capacity—to name a few—there’s a big overhaul for Ontario and the LDCs to undertake. If all of these policies can be met, Ontario’s power grid will potentially be one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world.
Changes will take time, and it could be a long time before we see the policy's real impacts. If you want to change how you use energy, try the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station. You can power your home with clean energy, save on your electricity bill, and do better for the environment.