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ARTICLE · 26 JUNE 2026

Ontario IESO Announces A New Process For Dealing With Major Energy Projects

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The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) recently introduced the Major Projects Identification Committees (MPIC) process to keep up with increasing digitization and electricity demand in Ontario.

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Laura Hudson
Laura Hudson
Paul Harricks
Paul Harricks
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Introduction

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) recently introduced the Major Projects Identification Committees (MPIC) process to keep up with increasing digitization and electricity demand in Ontario. Energy organizations planning major infrastructure or construction projects should consider the MPIC process early in project development. The MPIC process is fully operational and strongly recommended by the IESO.

The context: Ontario's growing electricity needs

The IESO forecasts that net annual energy demand will grow by 65% from 2026 to 2050. It predicts up to 93% growth by 2050 under a high-demand scenario. Increased demand is driven by commercial data centre expansion, industrial electric vehicle production, and accelerated electrification across sectors. Understanding when and where major new electricity demand may materialize is essential for effective long-term forecasting and planning. The MPIC process was introduced specifically to address this challenge.

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