The Province of Ontario, through the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), is running competitive programs to secure long-term contracts for renewable energy projects that supply electricity to the grid. With electricity demand expected to grow by 75% by 2050, these programs aim to meet future energy needs.

Renewable energy projects support the City’s Community Energy and Emissions plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Key actions to achieve this goal include expanding:

• Solar power (rooftop and ground systems)
• Energy storage
• Community wind projects
• Renewable natural gas and hydrogen

Municipal Support Confirmation Application Process

The IESO requires energy project developers to work with municipalities early to understand local needs. The City has created a Municipal Support Confirmation (MSC) process for projects applying to the IESO’s Long-Term RFP.

The goal of this process is to make sure the City and community get enough information up front, set clear expectations for community engagement (if needed) and give Council the information required to help inform decisions on whether to support the proposed project.

Key Steps in the City of Richmond Hill’s MSC process

1. IESO Municipal Support Application - The proponent must submit a completed MSC application (including payment of application fee) to the City with energy proposal information and details before the municipal intake deadline. The online application will be available here once the IESO opens the next procurement window.
2. Staff review - City staff will review the application, prepare summary memo, and forward to appropriate members of Council for information and comment.
3. Indigenous/Community Engagement (voluntary) - The local Ward Councillor, in consultation with staff, will at their discretion determine if further Indigenous and/or community engagement is required. If engagement is requested, staff will inform the proponent to work directly with the local Ward Councillor.
4. Confirmation of MSC Approval Stream or Non-Approval - Upon reviewing the information and, if needed, after engagement is complete, the local Ward Councillor will confirm with staff if they support or do not support the proposed project. Based on the local Ward Councillor’s confirmation of approval, staff will proceed with one of the following streams:

• Blanket Approval - if a solar energy project is determined to be low risk, MSC application will proceed under delegated authority process.
• Individual Approval - for all other renewable energy projects, or for solar energy projects where issues were raised, staff will prepare a staff report for Council approval.
• Non-Approval - further to review and/or community engagement, proponents will be notified that their proposed project is not supported by the City.

For further information, refer to the City’s MSC Municipal Process Flowchart.

Apply for Municipal Support Confirmation from the City of Richmond Hill

Please note that the application form will be available here when the next bidding period opens.

A fee of $250 is required at the time of application.

Additional Information  

• Staff Report SRPBS.26.004 and attachments
• IESO LT2 RFP

If you have any questions for staff or require any additional information about the City of Richmond Hill’s Municipal Support Confirmation application process as part of the IESO’s Long Term RFP, please contact greeningthehill@richmondhill.ca.