Key Players
Ontario and Toronto's electricity sector is comprised of several corporations and government agencies, each with their own roles and responsibilities. Here is a brief overview of what each entity is responsible for within the industry.
Toronto Hydro-Electric System Ltd. (Toronto Hydro) is an electrical distribution company serving almost 700,000 residential and commercial customers across the City of Toronto — almost one in five Ontario consumers. Hydro One transmits electricity along high voltage lines and cables to Toronto Hydro transfer stations, where it is reduced in voltage for safe distribution across Toronto Hydro's grid, city-wide. Toronto Hydro is working with Hydro One on the Midtown Project to ensure that demand for electricity is met and to ensure it is transmitted safely and reliably to its customers. www.torontohydro.com
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was established by the Government of Ontario in 2004 to develop a long-term integrated power system plan (IPSP) for Ontario. That plan is now undergoing public review by the Ontario Energy Board. The OPA IPSP Discussion Paper Transmission #5 (Nov. 13, 2006) recognized the urgent need for project to proceed pre-IPSP noting that the facilities of immediate concern are the 115 kV circuits from Leaside to Birch Junction that supply the Bridgman and Dufferin load stations in central Toronto. The loadings observed in the summers of 2005 and 2006 exceeded the circuit capacity.www.powerauthority.on.ca
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) regulates Ontario's natural gas and electricity industries. It is also responsible for ensuring construction and operation of proposed transmission facilities are in the public interest. As part of this process, the OEB will review Hydro One's proposal to strengthen the midtown power corridor with a series of public meetings and consultations. www.oeb.gov.on.ca
The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) is responsible for reviewing and approving electricity projects under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. www.ene.gov.on.ca