EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN ONTARIO
New Standard Price Will Add Up To 1,000 Megawatts Over The Next 10 Years
CAMBRIDGE -- Ontario is leading the way in using clean, renewable
electricity by setting a standard price that will make it easier for
entrepreneurs and businesses to sell clean power from small projects to the
grid, Premier Dalton McGuinty announced.
"We're taking a bold new step that will allow hundreds of small, local,
renewable energy producers to get into the energy market -- providing
cleaner energy that will help meet Ontario's needs today -- and in the
future," said Premier McGuinty.
The Premier made the announcement at Photowatt Technologies in Cambridge,
joined by Ontario's Minister of Energy Donna Cansfield and world-renowned
scientist Dr. David Suzuki.
Until now, it was too costly and complex for small, renewable power
producers -- such as farmers, rural landowners, community groups, First
Nations, business owners or municipalities -- to sell their energy to the
grid.
Through Ontario's Standard Offer Program, the government will set a fixed
price for small renewable energy projects. Under the plan, the Ontario Power
Authority will purchase electricity produced by wind, biomass or small
hydroelectric at a base price of 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. The fixed price
for solar will be 42 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Over the next ten years, this will help add up to 1,000 megawatts of
renewable energy to Ontario's electricity supply -- enough to power 250,000
homes. It will help ease the strain on Ontario's electricity system, reduce
air pollution, promote reliability, protect the environment and create new,
high-skill jobs.
"The McGuinty government is committed to expanding the opportunities for
clean and renewable generation in Ontario," Cansfield said. "Through the
program, Ontarians will have an opportunity to improve our air quality and
take advantage of a whole new revenue stream."
"Ontarians need a reliable power system that doesn't leave a legacy of
economic or environmental debt," said Suzuki. "Today's announcement will
revolutionize the market for clean, renewable energy in North America and
lay the groundwork for a healthier, brighter future."
"This is great news for renewable energy and all Ontario communities," said
Deborah Doncaster, Executive Director of the Ontario Sustainable Energy
Association. "The government has delivered on its commitment for a Standard
Offer Program which will help smaller and community-based projects
participate in building a sustainable electricity system."
Setting standard rates for renewable power is part of the government's plan
to build a clean, affordable, reliable and sustainable energy supply in
Ontario. In 2004, the government committed to generating five per cent -- or
1,350 megawatts -- of electricity through renewable sources by 2007. In the
last year, Ontario has contracted for more than 1,300 megawatts of new,
renewable power.
"Standard Offer contracts have been the fastest and most successful way of
producing renewable energy throughout the world," said Premier McGuinty. "Encouraging
communities to develop more renewable electricity will spur the kind of
innovation in the energy sector that will help clean up our air, create jobs
and contribute to our long-term prosperity."
Contacts Presse :
- IRIS CONSEIL
- Christine Arnal
- Tél : 00 33 (1) 45 44 04 21
- Fax: 00 33 (1) 45 44 18 14
- E-mail: c.arnal@iris-conseil.net
- & Site: http://www.iris-conseil.net
Ray Lancashire - Relations Presse
Ministère du Développement Economique et du Commerce
Tél : 00 1 416 326 1608