Natural Gas Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)

A planning strategy and process evaluating pipeline alternatives for natural gas system needs.

Integrated Resource Planning is a planning strategy and process that evaluates and compares demand-side and supply-side alternatives to pipeline infrastructure in meeting natural gas system needs, and identifies and implements the alternative (or combination of alternatives) that is in the best interest of Enbridge Gas and its customers, taking into account reliability and safety, cost-effectiveness, public policy, optimized scoping, and risk management.

The OEB issued a Decision and Order on Enbridge Gas's application requesting OEB policy guidance on its IRP proposal. In response to Enbridge Gas's application, the OEB established a first-generation IRP Framework that provides direction on the OEB’s requirements as Enbridge Gas considers IRP to meet its system needs.

The OEB established an IRP Technical Working Group (IRPWG) to assist in the implementation of the IRP Framework. The IRPWG is expected to support an efficient and transparent implementation of the initial phase of the IRP Framework, facilitating future innovation in the energy sector regarding appropriate responses to emerging system needs.

A planning strategy and process evaluating pipeline alternatives for natural gas system needs.

Integrated Resource Planning is a planning strategy and process that evaluates and compares demand-side and supply-side alternatives to pipeline infrastructure in meeting natural gas system needs, and identifies and implements the alternative (or combination of alternatives) that is in the best interest of Enbridge Gas and its customers, taking into account reliability and safety, cost-effectiveness, public policy, optimized scoping, and risk management.

The OEB issued a Decision and Order on Enbridge Gas's application requesting OEB policy guidance on its IRP proposal. In response to Enbridge Gas's application, the OEB established a first-generation IRP Framework that provides direction on the OEB’s requirements as Enbridge Gas considers IRP to meet its system needs.

The OEB established an IRP Technical Working Group (IRPWG) to assist in the implementation of the IRP Framework. The IRPWG is expected to support an efficient and transparent implementation of the initial phase of the IRP Framework, facilitating future innovation in the energy sector regarding appropriate responses to emerging system needs.

  • 2023 IRP annual report filed

    On July 2, 2024, Enbridge filed its 2023 IRP annual report, and the IRP Working Group's annual report, as Appendix E of its deferral & variance account application.

  • IRP Pilot Projects application filed

    On July 19, 2023, Enbridge filed its IRP Pilot Projects application under EB-2022-0335. The application seeks approval of costs and the accounting treatment of costs associated with the 2 pilot projects.


    Enbridge designed 2 pilot projects to implement demand-side IRPAs in combination with supply-side IRPAs in the communities of Parry Sound (the “Parry Sound Pilot Project”) and the City of Sarnia and Town of Plympton Wyoming (the “Southern Lake Huron Pilot Project”). These IRP Pilot Projects aim to mitigate identified system constraints and associated facility reinforcement projects, and are also intended to provide learnings regarding future IRPA design, performance, and potential for scalability.

  • Three IRP reports posted

    The OEB has posted three Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) reports:

    The IRP Working Group’s report, Use of the Discounted Cash Flow-Plus Test in Integrated Resource Planning, presents the Working Group’s views on applying the Discounted Cash Flow-Plus (DCF+) economic evaluation methodology to compare traditional pipeline infrastructure and IRP alternatives (e.g., geotargeted energy efficiency, compressed natural gas) to assist in determining which alternative is the preferred option to address a system need. This will assist Enbridge Gas in filing an enhanced DCF+ test and supporting handbook for OEB approval as part of the first non-pilot IRP Plan application.

    The Enbridge Gas 2022 Annual IRP Report provides details on Enbridge Gas’s implementation of the IRP framework in 2022 and discusses IRP priorities for 2023.

    The IRP Working Group’s 2022 IRP Annual Report provides comments on Enbridge Gas’s implementation of the IRP Framework, and also provides a summary of activities undertaken by the Working Group over the previous year.

    Please refer to the “IRP Working Group Reports” section on the right-hand panel to access these reports.

  • 2021 IRP annual report filed

    On June 10, 2022, Enbridge filed its 2021 IRP annual report, and the IRP Working Group's annual report, as Exhibit H of its deferral & variance account application

  • IRPWG meetings begin

    Beginning January 2022, the IRP working group met on a monthly basis and established a DCF+ subgroup to assist Enbridge by providing input on the development of 2 IRP pilots and an enhanced DCF+ benefit cost analysis test.

    Refer to the Terms of Reference for scope, priorities and responsibilities of the working group and its members.

    Refer to Meeting Folders for materials and meeting notes summarizing the working group agenda, discussion and findings.

  • OEB selects membership on the IRPWG

    On December 6, 2021, the OEB announced the initial membership of the IRP Technical Working Group through a Membership Selection Letter.

  • OEB receives participation request letters

    November 8, 2021 marks the deadline to submit nominations for non-utility membership on the IRP Technical Working Group. All participation request letters received can be found on the public record.

  • OEB calls for nomination to the IRPWG

    On October 19, 2021, the OEB issued a letter initiating the process to establish an IRP Technical Working Group. The OEB is seeking nominations from individuals interested in participating on the Working Group as non-utility members.

Page last updated: 11 Dec 2024, 11:35 AM