Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) plays a unique and critical role in Ontario’s electricity sector. Each and every day, Ontario residents, businesses, institutions and communities count on us to ensure electricity is available where and when they need it. To do so, we have four key functions, all of which contribute to the reliability, affordability, sustainability and resilience of the electricity grid:

We operate the power system: Every minute of every day, we direct the flow of electricity across the province. That requires close and active coordination on a 24/7 basis with generators, transmitters, local utilities, energy traders and large electricity consumers to ensure Ontario’s energy needs are met at the lowest total cost.

We administer the electricity markets: We also oversee and administer the $19-billion wholesale electricity markets. That means we buy and sell electricity at the most competitive rates, develop new mechanisms that enable existing and emerging resources to provide essential grid services, and constantly reassess market design and program options to find new efficiencies and drive down costs.

We plan for the future: We use data analytics and modelling as well as other state-of-the-art technologies to ensure Ontario’s grid is reliable and resilient – today, tomorrow and 20 years from now. This requires planning and forecasting to assess the province’s short-, medium- and long-term needs, sharing this information with sector partners to enable informed decision-making and investments, and working collectively and transparently to identify the best options.

We engage with stakeholders, municipalities and Indigenous communities: Building a secure energy future for all Ontarians requires vision, discipline and strong working relationships with a broad range of partners. The IESO has a position at the centre of the industry, which we use to facilitate dialogue and innovation.

This is the environment in which IESO employees operate. It’s purpose driven, fast paced, highly collaborative and intellectually challenging work that is absolutely fundamental to the long-term success of all Ontarians. For more information, visit www.ieso.ca.

Commitment to Diversity

We’re committed to both making the IESO a more inclusive workplace, and advocating for change across the sector. In 2020, the organization released its first Current State Assessment, accompanied by a robust action plan. Actions are focused on: processes and policies – ensuring that equity, diversity and inclusion are reflected in key people systems and processes; people and culture – building capability and accountability to lead, work and make decisions that promote EDI; and, data and insights – measuring and monitoring equity across the IESO employee experience. In addition, the IESO signed Electricity Human Resources Canada’s Leadership Accord on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. This represents a public commitment to advance, integrate and prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in organizational policies, processes, culture and workplace environment. It makes us and other signatories accountable both for removing barriers to under-represented groups, and for sharing metrics to demonstrate our progress.

Vision for the Future

The IESO’s vision is to move toward a desired future state where we are more open and respectful of one another’s differences, and where members of all groups are treated equitably. To do this, we must cultivate and maintain a workplace culture where we actively demonstrate our values.

This means:

• Valuing diverse expertise and perspectives
• Operating in a fair and consistent manner
• Treating others as they wish to be treated
• Creating a sense of belonging
• Having the courage to challenge the status quo

Fostering a culture where everyone can feel they belong and their contributions are valued isn’t another “people initiative”. It needs to become core to how we operate. Delivering on this commitment starts at the top, with me and my executive team – which is why we’re making diversity, equity and inclusion a fundamental part of our strategy.