Ontario plans for a ‘culture of conservation’

2009-03-04T00:00:00-00:00

The Canadian province of Ontario has unveiled ambitious plans aimed at cutting energy usage, improving sustainable building practices and increasing the use of renewables.

As well as driving new investment in the region’s economy, the plans could create up to 50,000 new jobs building solar and wind installations and cut carbon emissions in line with the region’s climate change targets.

The province is already committed to eliminating coal-fired power entirely by 2014 – and has brought 1000 MW of renewable energy online since 2003.

“Ontario is the first region to make such an aggressive move,” said International Trade and Investment Minister Sandra Pupatello in an interview with Energy Efficiency News. “But we need to do more and better.”

The proposed Green Energy Act (GEA) takes a two-pronged approach.

On the one hand, the legislation hopes to engender a ‘culture of conservation’ by encouraging energy-saving measures and behaviours. Energy efficiency standards for household appliances would be introduced, along with mandatory energy audits prior to the sale of homes.

“Conservation has to be part of any climate change and energy plan,” says Pupatello. “If we can save just 10% of our energy usage it makes a dramatic difference.”

The proposed measures, together with plans announced last month to make energy efficiency central to building codes, aim to make Ontario a world leader in the use of buildings, she says.

The second aspect to the plan is a major ramp up of renewables. The proposed legislation would, if passed, would introduce a feed-in tariff scheme for renewable energy sources and streamline the planning and approval process for new projects.

The region already has two of Canada’s largest wind farms, totalling nearly 1200 MW, ready to come online by the end of the year. And there are other renewable energy projects in place or under construction in the province worth a further $4 billion.

“The new feed-in tariff system will provide guaranteed rates for suppliers and establish a right to connect to the grid,” explains Pupatello. “It also changes the timeframe for projects from start to finish.”

Historically, renewables projects in the region have taken around 24 months to progress through the necessary planning and approval procedures. The new legislation will try to cut this timeframe at least in half, says Pupatello.

The province can benefit from being a leader in energy efficiency and renewables in North America and beyond, adds Pupatello.

“If Ontario leads, then we can drive global participation,” she says.

For further information:
www.ontario.ca/
www.mei.gov.on.ca.wsd6.korax.net/english/energy/gea/

Afion Media Ltd

Ontario plans for a ‘culture of conservation’