The Ontario government has launched a new expert advisory group to help modernize and strengthen the province’s electricity distribution system.
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced the creation of the Panel for Utility Leadership and Service Excellence (PULSE) on Monday. The panel will support Energy for Generations, the government’s long-term plan to deliver reliable, affordable energy that supports investment and economic growth.
“If the backbone of Ontario’s electricity grid — Ontario’s utilities that bring power to homes, businesses and factories — cannot keep up, Ontario risks falling behind. Our path to self reliance rests on our ability to challenge the status quo and demand better for every ratepayer in Ontario,” said Lecce. “The world has changed, which is why we need to future-proof Ontario’s grid as we invest in the next generation of electricity infrastructure. Through this review, we will transform all utilities into more reliable, resilient and future-ready systems that are focused on keeping energy rates affordable for families.”
Ontario’s local distribution system faces significant challenges. The Electricity Distributors Association estimates $103–$120 billion in investment will be needed over the next 20 years to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure, including power lines, substations and digital grid management tools.
The province’s electricity distribution sector has not undergone a comprehensive review since 2012, despite major changes in demand, electrification and technology. Lecce said many of Ontario’s nearly 60 local distribution companies are under financial strain and could face future credit downgrades that would increase borrowing costs for ratepayers.
The new panel will provide recommendations to improve reliability, strengthen customer service, and ensure more consistent response times following extreme weather events. It will also explore ways to enhance shared services and procurement across utilities to reduce costs.
“Ontario’s communities are growing, and we need to ensure we have the energy infrastructure in place to power that growth,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Through PULSE’s recommendations, we will ensure that every community has access to power that is safe, affordable, and resilient — both today and for generations to come.”
Minister Lecce has appointed Anthony Haines, Paula Conboy, Alexander Nuttall and David MacNaughton to the panel, with former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz serving as expert advisor. PULSE is expected to deliver its final recommendations to the Minister of Energy and Mines in early 2026.
Ontario currently has one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world, with more than 80 per cent of its power coming from non-emitting sources.
