Title:
The Changing Realities in Ontario's Electricity System
Abstract:
The North American electricity system is on the cusp of fundamental change as it moves to a more sustainable and interactive system. Ontario is a leader in advancing that change, shutting down coal-fired facilities which until recent years had met more than 25 per cent of the province’s electricity needs, embracing renewable forms of power including wind and solar, and encouraging us to change the way we consume electricity. Paul Murphy, President and CEO of the province’s system operator, will discuss the impact of those changes occurring in Ontario and neighbouring jurisdictions, the challenges of meeting reliability and efficiency objectives throughout this transformation and look at what’s ahead for Ontario electricity consumer over the next decade.
Bio:
Mr. Murphy is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electricity System Operator. Under Mr. Murphy, Ontario's IESO is responsible for overseeing the safe and reliable operation of Ontario's bulk electrical system - one of the most diversified, reliable and efficient in the world. The organization also oversees the IESO-administered wholesale electricity markets.
Previously, as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Murphy led the IESO through the opening of the market and the recovery from the 2003 blackout. He has worked in the operation and planning of Ontario’s electrical system for over 30 years and in the development of competitive markets for the last ten.
Mr. Murphy frequently represents the IESO and other independent system operators on multi‐jurisdictional committees providing strategic and policy advice on reliability and cyber security matters. During 2008, Mr. Murphy chaired the Ontario Smart Grid Forum, an industry initiative aimed at enabling Ontario’s future electricity system.
Mr. Murphy has a Bachelor of Applied Science from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario.