Electricity is everywhere in our lives, but what exactly is electricity?

What are some ways that people use electricity in their lives?

First, create a definition or description of electricity. Then, list five ways that electricity is used in everyday lives.

Record your description and ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.

If possible, share your ideas with a partner.

Let’s invesitage the following image by Gridwatch Power Generation. The image demonstrates the electrical power generation in Ontario on a given date.

Please note that weather conditions on this day would have varied throughout the province at the various power generation stations. This would have played a role in the distribution of types of power sources.

Click the image to enlarge in a new window.

Description

This screenshot shows a list of energy sources including nuclear, hydro, gas, wind, solar, and biofuel. Beside each type of fuel there is a number that shows how much of that type of fuel is being used currently in Ontario. At the time of the screenshot, the amounts are: nuclear = 10, 861 MW, which is 58.3% of the total grid; hydro = 4,432MW which is 23.8% of the total grid; gas = 2,091MW which is 11.2% of the total grid; wind = 1.085MW which is 5.8% of the total grid, solar = 127 MW which is 0.7% of the total grid; and biofuel = 34 MW which is 0.2% of the total grid. Also listed along the top of this screenshot is the average power generated in Ontario, which is 18,630MW, the Ontario demand which is 18,148MW, the total emissions which is 910 tonnes (listed as low) and the CO2e intensity which is 49g/kWh (listed as low). There are three Ontario power plants that are listed on this screenshot as well and what their output of energy was and what their capacity was. The three listed are Bruce A-1 with an output of 814 MW and a capacity of 816 MW, Bruce A-2 with an output of 756 MW and a capacity of 760 MW, and Bruce A-3 with an output of 811MW and a capacity of 784 MW.

Analyze

In the section, Generation – Fuel Type, of the page or image, what types of fuel does Ontario generate the most?

Press ‘Let’s Check!’ to access the correct response.

Let’s Check!

As you explore the data, either through the website or the image provided, what do you observe, infer, and wonder about? What surprises you?

Record your ideas and thoughts in a notebook or another method of your choice.

Nuclear energy is considered clean energy, but the materials that fuel it are not endless. They are also very tricky to dispose of because they are radioactive.

Biofuel and natural gas involve creating energy using natural resources. Since biofuel comes from plant or algal material, or animal waste, many consider it a renewable resource.

Natural gas, on the other hand, does not have an unlimited supply. Both of these sources can add to the effects of climate change. When they are burned, carbon dioxide is produced and released into the atmosphere. Despite this, these sources are still considered to be much better, cleaner options when compared to burning coal or other fossil fuels.

Solar, wind and hydroelectric energy are renewable resources that do not contribute to climate change; however, they can have a negative effect on ecosystems and wildlife.

Compare and contrast

Now, choose two different sources of electrical energy we previously explored, to compare and contrast with in the following Venn diagram.

Complete the Comparing Electrical Sources Activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Press the Activity button to access the Comparing Electrical Sources Activity.

Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)

The Ontario Power Generation (OPG) published an article (2021b) about electrician John Paul Kohoko of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan who is an employee of OPG. Kohoko, was a member of council for his First Nation before joining OPG in 2013, working on the Madawaska River in eastern Ontario, outside of Ottawa.

Kohoko started in 2013 as a maintenance worker who helped to keep the power station in the area generating clean power. Today, his role involves sharing the work needed for new and existing projects, ensuring that employees are given proper work protection, and overseeing the work that the employees do on the job.

It is important for Kohoko to preserve his Indigenous traditions and culture. He enjoys the outdoors with his family. Their connection to the land living in Pikwakanagan First Nation is felt daily. With his family, Kohoko hunts, fishes, traps, gathers, and enjoys Powwows. “If we don’t take the time to keep our culture alive, we would lose our identity. It is very important to me as a parent to pass down the knowledge I have learned from my parents, mentors, and elders to my children and grandchildren,” Kohoko explains.

Kohoko is an active member of OPG’s Indigenous Relations Circle. This is an employee group that celebrates Indigenous traditions, teachings, and culture within the company and the communities where they work.

Kohoko hopes to work on a new hydro site in Calabogie, Ontario. It is on Algonquin territory, where Kohoko’s ancestors have hunted.

Create a short report that outlines a possible way to ensure that corporations involved in the energy sector can begin or continue their reconciliation journey, like the Ontario Power Generation has. You may refer to the information shared in the Action section.

You can create your report using words, maps, images, an oral description, or another method of your choice.

Be sure to include the following:

• information about Call to Action #92
• Why this is important?
• a possible solution
• What this possible solution could accomplish?

You may also refer to the following checklist to help guide your report.