The Ontario government has appointed an advisory panel and commissioned an independent study on future clean energy options. Both are in aid of provincial energy planning and efforts to facilitate the widescale electrification of heating, transportation and manufacturing.

“Through the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel, our government is planning for the future to ensure we can continue to serve a growing population and support the new jobs from unprecedented investments including everything from electric vehicle and battery manufacturing to clean steelmaking,” says Ontario’s Energy Minister, Todd Smith.

Three new appointees have been named to join David Collie, who was confirmed as the panel’s chair last spring. Collie has extensive experience in senior roles in the energy and regulatory sectors, most recently serving as the president and chief executive officer of Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority.

The other new panellists include: Dr. Monica Gattinger, director of the Institute for Science, Society and Policy and a professor at the University of Ottawa; and Chief Emeritus Emily Whetung of Curve Lake First Nation. As well, Howard Wetston, a retired Canadian senator and former chair of both the Ontario Energy Board and the Ontario Securities Commission, will provide ex office guidance.

The panel has been tasked with providing advice on attracting investment to the energy sector to help bolster clean energy supply, keep electricity rates affordable and stimulate economic development. To support this effort, the Ontario government has also commissioned an independent study on cost-effective energy pathways.