Imports and Exports

Ontario is capable of importing or exporting approximately 4,000 MW at any one time, depending on system conditions. The transmission grid is connected to Manitoba, Quebec, New York, Michigan and Minnesota.  The table below shows the history since 1997 for imports and exports. Of note is the fact that while net imports have fluctuated mildly, with 2004 being the lowest year since market open, there is a steady trend of both imports and exports rising.  This points to an increasing efficiency of the marketplace, with more intertie participants flowing more megawatts between the interties to extract value.  This ultimately benefits the consumer and the taxpayer, as the efficiencies translate into more effective uses of the generation.