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.