IESO is reconsidering how it deploys hourly demand response following complaints over partial activations and an increase in standby notices.

The reference scenario in IESO’s 2026 Annual Planning Outlook indicates net annual energy demand growth of 65% by 2050, from just over 150 TWh in recent years to 250 TWh.

IESO will seek to fill its growing need for regulation services through competitive bids but will resort to bilateral procurements if there is insufficient interest.