**3. Accuracy of GHG emission factors**

It is necessary to develop methodology to accurately estimate GHG emissions from the electricity generation sector in order to facilitate the implementation of awareness programmes and renewable technologies which are supported with information on current energy usage. It should be noted that the time of use of electricity is related to GHG emissions generated throughout the day (MacCracken, 2006). Therefore, prior to implementing these programmes and renewable technologies, it is necessary to have an accurate model for emission and electricity estimation.

The Province of Ontario has a very unique mix of electricity production technologies. Hydro and nuclear technologies are generally considered to be base load power (IESO, 2006), since they both operate at constant load and fossil generating plants are typically used to handle fluctuations in electricity demand throughout the day. The GHGIFA estimate is based on the generation mix for the Province of Ontario (nuclear, hydro, coal, etc.) and is not adequate to account for most of the GHG emissions from the electricity generation sector, which mainly come from fossil generating stations. Therefore, in order to estimate and phase out fossil completely, a different emission factor needs to be developed. In response to this, a second intensity factor (GHGIFM) was developed. The GHGIFM intensity factor was calculated by dividing the net fossil fuel plant electricity production by the total equivalent CO2 emissions. The value estimated for 1993 was 903.7 t/GWh (Guler et al., 2008). This emission factor assumes that all electricity consumption is provided by fossil plants. This would be beneficial if trying to replace all fossil plants with renewable technologies. However, both of the methodologies neglect to show hourly changes in emission factors.
