Hydro utilities warn of electricity rate shocks. A blackout paralyzes much of Toronto on a summer afternoon. Ontario vows to shut down its coal-burning power plants – which make up 18 per cent of the province’s generating capacity – and replace it with green energy. Years of dramatic change loom for the power system. The Star takes a look at some of the main components.

Making electricity takes energy

Electricity has to be created from other forms of energy. None comes cheap and easy. Read more.

Ontario’s cheap power advantage is gone, says industry

Adam White, who represents major power users, says high electricity prices have eliminated Ontario’s industrial advantage. Read more.

Ontario Hydro’s legacy of debt

Ontario residents can look forward to paying off the debts of the old Ontario Hydro for many years to come. Read more.

New power lines will cost $4 billion

The Ontario Power Authority has estimated Ontario will have to spend $4 billion on new high-voltage transmission lines by 2025. Read more.

Old nukes and dirty coal plants squeeze Ontario power

Aging nuclear plants and a d ecision to close coal-burning stations will squeeze power supplies in Ontario. Read more.

Power planners downplay new supply line for Toronto

A third major power line for Toronto was once considered essential, but power planners now downplay the need. Read more.