Ontario Advancing Energy Planning Study for St. Lawrence Region

November 21, 2025

MPP Clark announces province accelerating St. Lawrence regional planning to meet power demands needed for economic growth

KEMPTVILLE — As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and secure a reliable energy future for Eastern Ontario, the province will be accelerating regional power planning for the St. Lawrence region.

Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, announced at today’s annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit that this work will begin in February 2026, a full seven months ahead of schedule and is expected to result in the St. Lawrence region’s first-ever Integrated Regional Resource Plan (IRRP).

“Our government recognizes the urgent need for more energy to power economic growth in Leeds and Grenville and across the St. Lawrence region,” said MPP Clark. “We are poised to grow, but the top concern I hear from job creators and homebuilders who want to invest here is access to affordable, reliable power. Today’s announcement sends a clear signal that our government is acting by accelerating the regional planning process to meet the specific needs of our region.”

“By accelerating this regional planning process, our government is taking decisive action to ensure families, businesses, and industries across the St. Lawrence region have the reliable, affordable power they need to grow,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines. “This is about building the energy infrastructure that supports good jobs, attracts investment, and strengthens communities for decades to come. We are committed to delivering an energy system that keeps Eastern Ontario competitive and prepared for the future.”

“This is an exciting and timely announcement and signifies that Ontario and the IESO recognize the urgent energy needs of Leeds and Grenville and the St. Lawrence Region,” said Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. “With the scale of growth forecast for the long term, it is critical that we invest now in new electricity infrastructure to ensure the system can support future economic development opportunities.”

Under previous regional electricity planning cycles, “needs assessments” did not account for anticipated load growths. This resulted in inadequate transmission refurbishments and minor infrastructure upgrades that failed to keep pace with demand for new power needed to grow the region’s economy.

Local municipal leaders, businesses, industries, builders, and economic development officials have been vocal about the need for more electricity to power the region’s economy, said MPP Clark.

In response, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in partnership with Hydro One Networks Inc., Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc., and Hydro Embrun will accelerate regional electricity planning specifically for the St. Lawrence Region.

This is part of the Province’s Energy for Generations plan, Ontario’s long-term roadmap to deliver reliable, affordable, and secure energy to power the most competitive economy in the G7. By bringing together sector partners across all fuel types and infrastructure, while collaborating with Indigenous, municipal, and industry leaders through an enhanced regional planning process, the province is ensuring that Ontario’s energy system is a catalyst for economic growth.

QUICK FACTS:

  • In response to community feedback, and in alignment with the Province’s Integrated Energy Plan, the IESO proposed to the Technical Working Group that the next planning cycle for the St. Lawrence Region be advanced to Q1 2026 – ahead of the current schedule that was set for later in 2026. Additionally, it was agreed that the upcoming planning cycle would likely result in the formation of the region’s first Integrated Regional Resource Plan.
  • In addition to accelerating the regional planning process in 2026, the IESO has been leading the Eastern Ontario Bulk Plan that is addressing forecasted transmission system reliability issues.

MPP Clark accepts a United Counties of Leeds and Grenville 175th toque from Economic Development Manager, Ann Weir after making an announcement at the opening of the 17th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit in Kemptville.