Ontario prepares for solar eclipse to put pressure on electricity grid [Video]

Energy officials in Ontario are preparing for Monday’s historic total and partial eclipse to hurt output from its solar panels, with other sources of electricity on standby.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), which runs Ontario’s energy grid, said solar energy output could drop by as much as 1,800 megawatts as a result of the eclipse.

That amount of energy is enough to power half of Toronto, the energy minister said.

Ontario is one of several areas in North America waiting for a total and partial eclipse on April 8, when the moon will obscure the sun between roughly 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Some areas, like Niagara Falls and Kingston, are on the path of totality and will see a brief period of total darkness, while other places will see the sun’s rays reduced.

Energy Minister Todd Smith said the province is prepared if the eclipse does reduce the amount of solar electricity generated in the province.

“Ontario is lucky to have …