Powering the Future: Ontario’s Energy for Generations Plan and What It Means for Southwestern Ontario

This week, the Ontario government released Energy for Generations — a landmark roadmap that sets the course for the province’s energy future. As the first-ever integrated energy plan of its kind, it aims to ensure that Ontario has the reliable, affordable, and clean energy needed to support economic growth, enable housing development, and keep Ontario competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

At SCOR EDC, we’re proud to support this strategy — especially in partnership with good friends and collaborators like Enbridge. This plan directly aligns with our commitment to building strong, resilient, and prosperous communities in Southwestern Ontario.

A Generational Step Forward

Ontario is forecasting a 75% increase in electricity demand over the next 25 years — the equivalent of adding four and a half cities the size of Toronto to the grid. Energy for Generations responds to this growth with bold investments in energy infrastructure, including:

• The largest nuclear buildout on the continent, expected to bring Ontario to more than 99% zero-emissions electricity by 2050.

• Support for emerging fuels like hydrogen and expanded access to natural gas, especially for rural communities and agriculture.

• A focus on distributed energy resources, making it easier for Ontarians to generate and manage their own electricity.

• National energy corridors and transmission infrastructure to enhance energy security and interprovincial collaboration.

  
  

Why This Matters to Southwestern Ontario

In regions like Oxford, Norfolk, Elgin, Middlesex, and Brant — where agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and rural development drive the economy — energy is not just a utility, it’s an enabler.

Our farmers depend on access to affordable fuels. Our manufacturers require reliable power to stay competitive. Our municipalities need smart energy infrastructure to attract investment and accommodate growth.

This plan addresses those needs by emphasizing affordability, reliability, security, and clean energy — the very pillars that underpin sustainable economic development.

Supporting Indigenous and Rural Communities

The plan also includes a $25 million annual commitment to the Indigenous Energy Support Program, reinforcing Ontario’s dedication to economic reconciliation and ensuring Indigenous communities have the resources to actively participate in the energy transition.

For rural communities, this means expanded access to natural gas, support for local energy generation, and more robust infrastructure to meet growing demand — all critical priorities we’ve long championed at SCOR EDC.

The Role of Partnerships

Energy for Generations makes it clear: Ontario cannot meet its future energy needs alone. This work requires strong partnerships across every level of government, industry, and community — something we at SCOR EDC deeply believe in.

Our collaboration with Enbridge and other energy stakeholders ensures that Southwestern Ontario has a seat at the table as these long-term investments roll out. Together, we’re helping build a more self-reliant and competitive Ontario — one powered by shared vision and coordinated action.

In Summary

Energy for Generations is more than a plan — it’s a call to build for the future, just as previous generations did for us. At SCOR EDC, we’re ready to help turn this vision into action for the benefit of our businesses, workers, and communities.

We look forward to continuing this important work — in partnership with Enbridge, the Province, and all those committed to a stronger, more sustainable Ontario.