The IESO will be conducting a Mid-Term Review of the 2015 to 2020 Conservation First Framework (CFF) and Industrial Accelerator Program designed to inform potential approaches to achieving conservation objectives through to 2020 and beyond.
The IESO notes that the Mid-Term Review “will be informed by an engagement initiative that will allow stakeholders and communities to provide input on the review framework that will focus on energy savings targets, budgets, progress, lessons learned (on cost recovery, performance incentive mechanisms and CDM contribution to regional planning), and alignment with Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan.” The IESO will seek a third party consultant through a competitive procurement process, to support the IESO with completion of the mid-term review.
An early draft of the approach for the Mid-Term Review was discussed with LDCs and the Conservation First Implementation Committee (CFIC) and at June regional meetings. The plan was updated with LDC feedback and reviewed at the August meeting of the IESO Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC). Based on feedback received from LDCs and members of the SAC, the Mid-term Review will begin in Q1 2017, and complete in Q1 2018. This schedule is expected to allow for more CFF results and implementation experience to be included in the study.
In addition, an Advisory Group will be formed to supplement broader engagement efforts, by tackling more detailed discussions, and will consist of a limited number of representatives within the following categories:
• five consumers (representing a mix of sectors, and distribution/transmission-connected customers);
• five LDCs (selection will focus on different size utilities and different regions and progress towards CFF targets);
• two consultants, service providers/delivery agents and/or product manufacturers that are engaged in CDM; and,
• IESO (Chair plus staff support).