Ontario’s businesses depend on clean, affordable, reliable, and secure energy to remain competitive, grow jobs, and meet climate and sustainability commitments. As the pace of electrification accelerates – driven by major industrial investments, data centres, advanced manufacturing, and transportation – the province is entering a period of rising energy demand and heightened system risk. Addressing near‑ and long‑term electricity supply shortfalls will require timely investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, alongside policies that sustain affordability and reliability.
At the same time, Ontario’s energy system must support a broader economic and security agenda – including resilient supply chains, regulatory harmonization across jurisdictions, and access to critical infrastructure such as pipelines and transmission corridors that enable growth across regions. Ontario is well‑positioned to lead, with made‑in‑Ontario solutions that align clean energy development, industrial competitiveness, and energy security.
The council is chaired by Chris Benedetti, Managing Partner & CEO, Sussex Strategy Group, and consists of leading experts in the energy space including industry associations and regulators, producers and distributors, and ecosystem partners.
Recent Highlights:
- 2026 Ontario Budget Submission
- 2025 Federal Budget Submission
- Bruce C Project Economic Impact Assessment: Summary of Findings
2026 Policy & Advocacy Priorities:
- Advance workforce readiness and skills development to support Ontario’s growing energy sector
- Ensure energy remains affordable and reliable through coordinated planning, regulatory harmonization, and strategic investment
- Modernize grid infrastructure and expand transmission and pipeline connectivity to meet rising energy demand
- Lead in clean energy innovation by integrating low-carbon fuels, storage, and emerging technologies into Ontario’s energy strategy
Members of the council include:
- Anishnawbe Business Professional Association
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Ontario
- Bruce Power
- Burlington Hydro
- Canada Infrastructure Bank
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)
- Canadian Fuels Association
- Common Voice Northwest Energy Task Force
- Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
- General Motors of Canada Ltd.
- Hydro One Networks Inc.
- Imperial Oil
- Ontario Power Generation
- Oshawa Power
- Sussex Strategy Group
For more information on how to join the council, please contact Sharan Khela, OCC Policy Analyst.
Founding partners
