The response was overwhelming, with approximately 100 megawatts (MW) of demand going offline within 60 seconds and 200 MW within five minutes. To put it in perspective, 100 MW can power about 120,000 homes, and 200 MW around 240,000 homes. One question that arises is whether a capacity market could have averted this situation. In a capacity market, payment is made for the availability of a specified electrical capacity, whether used or not. Despite these challenges, the upcoming completion of these natural gas facilities within the next 12 months is a crucial step to address short-term energy supply concerns.

Source: CBC News February 10, 2024 18:35 UTC