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Dalton McGuinty, Premier of the Canadian province Ontario, has unveiled plans to make energy conservation and energy efficiency integral in building codes.

The Green Energy Act, which will be introduced next month, will increase the importance of energy efficiency in the region’s building code and set up an Expert Advisory Council to advise on future improvements to the code.

“Ontario has worked very hard over the past five years to become a leading jurisdiction in energy conservation. We have made good progress, but more can be done, and there are big savings to be found in making our buildings more efficient,” said McGuinty.

The new bill will encourage homeowners to undertake energy audits and efficiency boosting retrofits, including insulation, and support individuals installing microgeneration systems.

Ontario also already offers homeowners CAN$150 towards home energy audits and rebates up to CAN$10,000 for energy efficiency refurbishment.

“Energy efficiency is about more than just turning off lights. A true conservation culture has to be built in to the way we do business,” commented Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman. “The Green Energy Act [will] ensure that energy efficiency is a top priority.”

The region already has one of the most aggressive targets to reduce electricity usage and has seen a 5% decline in peak demand since 2004.

The Green Energy Act also includes plans to modernize the region’s electricity transmission system to support increase use of renewables.

“[This legislation will] jumpstart hundreds of smaller renewable projects across the province, changing the way we make and deliver electricity,” says Smitherman.

The smart grid will also collect information about usage and could help consumers make savings.

For further information:
www.energy.gov.on.ca/