There is evident urgency to…

There is evident urgency to creating an effective energy planning framework for Ontario. The PWU applauds the efforts to introduce integrated energy planning in the IEP, including plans to build more transmission assets to address capacity constraints under a higher-growth forecast. As emphasized above, the PWU strongly supports each of the proposed priority transmission projects, including the prioritization of the Windsor to Lakeshore Transmission Project (ERO) 025-0659. However, the PWU reiterates that:

1. New transmission assets should be designed to accommodate high growth, and the high-growth demand forecast should be substantially higher than the high-growth forecast in the IEP.

2. In a high-growth environment, the costs/risks of underbuilding transmission assets are much higher than the costs/risks of right-sizing (or upsizing). Therefore, the Ministry should consider prioritizing the building of more transmission assets as soon as possible to address capacity constraints.

3. The PWU supports efforts to improve regulatory efficiency and expedite the development of priority projects.

The PWU has a successful track record of working with others in collaborative partnerships. We look forward to continuing to work with the Ministry and other energy stakeholders to strengthen and modernize Ontario’s electricity system. The PWU is commited to the following principles: Create opportunities for sustainable, high-pay, high-skill jobs; ensure reliable, affordable, environmentally responsible electricity; build economic growth for Ontario’s communities; and, promote intelligent reform of Ontario’s energy policy.

We believe these recommendations are consistent with, and supportive of Ontario’s objective “to build-out of an affordable, reliable and clean energy system to meet the exceptional growth needs of Ontario.” The PWU looks forward to discussing these comments in greater detail with the Ministry and participating in the ongoing stakeholder engagements.