Keynote: Wednesday Morning
The Ontario Planning Outlook: An Illustration of the Changes Taking Place Across Electrical Systems in Canada and the Western Countries
Bashir Bhana,
Planner in the Planning, Law, and Aboriginal Relations division at IESO
Abstract
The IESO’s Ontario Planning Outlook (OPO) is a technical report that provides a 10-year review (2005-2015) and a 20-year outlook (2016-2035) for Ontario’s electricity system. Assessing system requirements associated with capacity, reliability, market and system operations, transmission and distribution, the report concludes that Ontario is well-positioned to meet provincial needs until the mid-2020s, while continuing to adapt to significant change across the sector. The OPO will serve as an objective baseline for the Ministry of Energy and sector stakeholders in terms of electricity demand and supply outlooks, and will inform the Ministry’s formal consultation process for the development of the LTEP.
Biography
Bashir Bhana is a Planner in the Planning, Law, and Aboriginal Relations division at the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Previously, Bashir was a Planner in the Power System Planning division at the Ontario Power Authority, which merged with the IESO in 2015. Bashir’s work primarily focuses on the integrated long-term planning of Ontario’s electricity system. This includes performing technical and financial analyses of needs, options, risks and opportunities associated with the development of electricity conservation, transmission and supply projects in Ontario, as well as providing advice to policymakers and stakeholders. He has more than 10 years of industry experience and has held a number of roles, including in demand forecasting, conservation integration, regional planning, and transmission and supply resource planning. Bashir has led planning activities related to the nuclear and renewable energy files. He was involved in the development of the Integrated Power System Plan in 2007 as well as the 2010 and 2013 Long-Term Energy Plans. Recently, he led the development of the first Ontario Planning Outlook in 2016 on behalf of the IESO. Bashir holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in chemical engineering from the University of Toronto. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario.
About the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the heart of Ontario’s power system – ensuring there is enough power to meet the province’s energy needs in real time while also planning and securing energy for the future. The IESO balances the supply and demand for electricity in Ontario, plans and prepares for future electricity needs, operates the electricity wholesale market and works with its partners to guide conservation efforts. For more information, please visit www.ieso.ca.