Ontario Advances Transmission Planning to Power and Protect Leeds and Grenville

Study to identify future infrastructure needs and guide investments to support growing communities, new housing, and economic opportunities

JOHNSTOWN — Today, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, joined Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, to announce that the Ontario government is taking proactive steps and working with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to secure the region’s energy future through long-term transmission planning. Planning is vital in supporting population growth, economic investment, and reliable power across Eastern Ontario.

“I want to thank Minister Lecce for coming to Leeds and Grenville to hear about our need for more energy to grow our economy – now and into the future,” said MPP Clark. “Whether it’s existing businesses that want to expand or new investments knocking on our door, communities like Edwardsburgh Cardinal are poised for growth. We just need the electricity capacity to keep pace with those opportunities, and today’s announcement is a step forward in making that happen.”

The IESO study is currently evaluating the future needs of the eastern Ontario region to help identify future infrastructure needs and guide investments to support growing communities, new housing, and increase electrification. Early signs show that electricity demand in eastern Ontario is growing quickly, as more homes, businesses and industries switch to electric power and the economy continues to grow. The government is monitoring this work closely to ensure the region has the tools it needs to meet that demand, attract investment to local communities, and deliver energy security for families and businesses.

“As Ontario will need to generate 75% more power by 2050, our government is thinking ahead and building for the future,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Ontario’s plan will ensure we meet rising energy demand in eastern Ontario to power more homes, attract jobs, and fuel a strong economy. We’re not waiting for challenges to arise – we’re planning so families, farms, and businesses have access to affordable energy for generations to come.”

“It is essential the region has the electrical infrastructure to support future business investments and growth, along with residential development. The Counties applauds the Ministry and IESO in taking the initiative to move this long-term planning process forward,” said Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

“This is an exciting first step, and we want to thank the Ontario government and IESO for recognizing the urgent energy needs of Edwardsburgh Cardinal and our entire region. They’ve heard our call, responded with action, and made it clear that municipalities like ours have a seat at the table. This step will ensure that we will be able to power growth, welcome new investment, and shape a thriving future for our community,” said Tory Deschamps, Mayor of the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal.

“As part of this community for more than 17 years, Greenfield Global’s Johnstown facility is an example of what can happen when business and government share the same commitment to people and progress,” said plant manager Brendan Bland. “Leaders like MPP Steve Clark and Minister of Energy Stephen Lecce are helping us pave the way for a stronger future through their support of clean energy solutions.”

This investment supports Ontario’s first-ever comprehensive energy plan, Energy for Generations, which is an important part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by ensuring the province has the energy it needs to support new housing and power the strongest economy in the G7 – for this generation and the next.