Ontario is torn between meeting the provincial demand for electricity and a desire to wean itself from fossil fuels.
The province’s Crown corporation responsible for the operation of the electrical system has said more natural gas plants will be needed to bridge the gap during the transition, and that phasing out fossil fuels by 2030 would cause rotating blackouts and higher consumer costs.
Regardless, Energy Minister Todd Smith wants the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to report in November on a potential natural gas moratorium and a plan to reach zero emissions in the energy sector. He also asked the IESO to report back this month on new conservation initiatives….