Data from the Independent Electricity System Operator in Ontario (IESO) showed that the proportion of electricity produced from sources that emit greenhouse gases, like natural gas, reached 16% in 2024, the highest percentage since 2012 when coal-fired plants were still operational in the province.

According to the IESO annual report, the percentage of emission-free electricity decreased to 84%, compared to 87% in 2023 and 96% in 2017. This decline is attributed to increased reliance on natural gas plants, especially during maintenance and renewal periods of some nuclear reactors, as well as reduced electricity imports from neighboring provinces.

Eleanor Rugo, Director of the Climate and Energy Program at the "Environmental Defense" organization, pointed out that this shift was expected due to energy planning decisions made years ago, such as the cancellation of 750 contracts for renewable energy projects in 2018, which reduced the diversity of available clean energy sources currently.

For his part, Energy Minister Stephen Lecce defended the current policies, asserting that the temporary increased reliance on natural gas is necessary to ensure grid stability during nuclear reactor renewals, and that the government aims to achieve a 99% emission-free electricity grid by 2050.

However, Green Party leader Mike Schreiner expressed concern over Ontario losing its clean grid advantage that attracted investments, indicating that the decline in the percentage of emission-free electricity could negatively impact the province's competitiveness in attracting global capital.