The IESO received a direction from the Minister of Energy on September 27, 2016, indicating that the government is suspending further contracting under the Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) and the Energy-from-Waste Standard Offer Program (EFWSOP). As a result, the IESO cancelled the LRP II RFQ process and has no plans to start the subsequent LRP II RFP process. Additional details will be provided in the near future to RFQ applicants regarding the next steps associated with the cancellation of the LRP II RFQ process. The Energy from Waste Standard Offer Program has also been cancelled and applications will no longer be accepted. Along with its announcement of the program suspension, the government released an overview of its recent initiatives designed to reduce electricity costs.
APPrO President Dave Butters responded saying the announcement was, “of course disappointing for those who have participated so far. However, short term energy supply is reasonably strong in Ontario as noted in the OPO. APPrO has urged a focus on getting the best use and value from existing resources that may be needed during the nuclear refurbishments, for other unknown contingencies, and likely greater electrification as Ontario executes its Climate Change Action Plan.”
In contrast, the LRPI procurement process is largely complete. Sixteen contracts totaling 455 MW were executed earlier this year and commercial operation is expected in stages over the next few years. The LRP II process had only reached the stage of inviting requests for qualifications. For further information, see the IESO website and the article “LRP II RFQ released,” IPPSO FACTO, August 2016.