Independent Electricity System Operator

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The diversity in the number of energy sources strengthens the reliability of the entire electricity system. While Ontario has always benefitted from a diverse supply mix, the range of sources of electricity generation continues to evolve. The IESO is adapting how it manages the electricity system to effectively accommodate the operating characteristics of these different forms of generation and, increasingly, to also manage demand response. What was once a centralized, largely predictable system is now very fluid with many different operating scenarios emerging.

Step E: Eliminate Waste Energy waste can appear in many forms including excess time, volume, pressure and temperature. It is important to match the energy your business actually uses to what is really needed. Once a better balance is established, eliminating waste becomes an effective cost-cutting tool. Step F: Maximize Efficiency The condition of your company's equipment and operations can have a significant impact on savings. Consider making strategic changes in how you operate by scheduling more frequent maintenance for existing equipment, or investing in more energy-efficient technologies.

Once you identify the demand peaks, you can then decide which equipment or processes can be shifted to lower demand charges, which can total up to 30 per cent of your bill. The key is to minimize electricity use at the most expensive times of day. A demand profile helps you to monitor your usage patterns and manage them more effectively. Contact your local utility or an energy consultant to provide you with the relevant data and information to create and use your demand profile.

Ontario's supply and demand of electricity must be kept in balance every minute of the day. The IESO forecasts hourly demand to ensure that sufficient generation will be available to meet that peak. The level of demand is primarily influenced by factors like weather, hours of daylight, business hours, school holidays, and daily consumption patterns. At certain times of the year demand in the middle of the night can go lower than 11,000 megawatts (MW) and then rise by more than 10,000 MW later the same day.

For the period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013: Seven market participants were under contract to provide reactive support and voltage control service from a total of 56 generation facilities having 233 generation units. Four generating stations were under contract to provide certified black start capacity.

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