The Ottawa Renewable Energy…

The Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative (OREC) is pleased to submit our comments and recommendations on the proposed Integrated Energy Resource Plan.

A 2022 IESO report showed that a significant portion of Ontario’s future electricity needs could be met at competitive cost with Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). The costs of DERs are continuing to fall, increasing DER potential every year. However, current Ontario policy limits the deployment of DERs to simple “behind the meter” net metering with an annual limit on individual customer meters.

New policies and programs need to be put in place to 1/ maximize net metering potential though regulatory change to allow multi meter net metering, community net metering and other options, and 2/ utilize all suitable sites within distribution systems “in front of the meter” through innovations such as Community Solar and Community Energy Parks. More details are provided below.

These policies would maximize the contribution of DERs to Ontario’s energy mix while at the same time providing the opportunity for all Ontarians to benefit from the lower cost of locally generated electricity. It would also help Local Distribution Utilities manage increasing demand and peak loads as well as build community wealth in the local economy through community ownership.

Most importantly these DER policies and actions are self financing with minimal impact on the LDC rate base.

The attached document “Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative (OREC) Submission on IERP Dec 2024” sets out our comments and recommendations in detail.