This study examines the potential contributions of energy efficiency policies and low-impact renewable energy sources to meeting future electricity demand in Ontario. The study finds that grid demand could be reduced by nearly 50% relative to business as usual projections through a combination of energy efficiency and demand response programs, fuel switching, and increased cogeneration. The remaining grid demand could be met through a combination of new low-impact renewable energy sources and combined cycle natural gas generating facilities.

The study finds that although an investment of over $18 billion would be required to achieve the energy efficiency savings that it identifies, energy consumers would recover 96% of this investment through reduced energy costs.Providing the same amount of energy through the construction of new nuclear generating facilities would have a capital cost of over $32 billion.

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Power for the Future — Summary Document

Power for the Future: Towards A Sustainable Electricity System for Ontario —Full document including appendices (5.9 MB PDF)

Main document — no appendices (4.5 MB PDF)

Appendix I: Potential Impact of Improved Energy Efficiency on Electricity Demand in Ontario

Appendix II: Ontario's Nuclear Generating Facilities: A History and Estimate of Unit Lifetimes and Refurbishment Costs

Appendix III: Energy Efficiency Program Case Studies

Appendix IV: A Comparison of Combustion Technologies for Electricity Generation

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