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IESO to implement new Conservation and Demand Management framework in 2021

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in Ontario has received a Ministerial directive from the province to implement a new 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) framework, launching the week of January 4, 2021.

Programs in the new CDM framework will target those who need them most including opportunities for commercial, industrial, institutional, on-reserve First Nations and income-eligible consumers for energy-saving programs.

Key Information

• The new CDM framework will be centrally-delivered by the IESO under the Save on Energy brand and will focus on cost-effectively meeting the needs of Ontario’s electricity system, including achieving provincial peak demand reductions, as well as targeted approaches to address regional and/or local electricity system needs
• The 2021-2024 CDM framework will provide continued opportunities for electricity consumers to manage their electricity costs, and stability for partners and businesses involved in the delivery and administration of Save on Energy programs across the province
• Opportunities for electricity consumers will include support to improve the overall efficiency of buildings, facilities and communities, and opportunities to build awareness of energy-efficiency best practices and behaviours to help electricity consumers make decisions around energy-efficiency equipment and products
• The new CDM framework will support and solicit customer-based solutions, leverage competitive procurements and calls for proposals to increase competition in the industry, and will be able to respond to changing community needs, particularly in vulnerable communities

Next Steps

Details of programs under the new framework will be available in early November 2020. In the coming weeks the IESO will be engaging with vendors, customers, and key stakeholders on new programs and to ensure a smooth transition from the current 2019-2020 Interim Framework to the new 2021-2024 CDM framework.

Interim Framework Timelines

As a reminder, Retrofit program customers who are currently participating under the 2019-2020 IF need to have applications pre-approved by December 31, 2020, and need to have their projects completed by December 31, 2021. IF projects through the Process and Systems Upgrade program must be contracted by December 31, 2020 and must be declared in-service by December 31, 2022. Applications for Energy Managers and the Energy Performance Program in the IF must also be approved by December 31, 2020. Consumers interested in participating the Small Business Lighting programs and the Home Assistance Program may continue to apply to December 31, 2020.

saveonenergy.ca