[greenon-l] Ontario's first step to a Conserver Society

[Conservation Council of Ontario]

Green On.
The Online Newsletter of the Conservation Council of Ontario
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Ontario takes the first step towards
a Conserver Society
Energy Ministry Establishes a Conservation Secretariat for Electricity

A special edition of the Conservation Council of Ontario's e-newsletter
April 15, 2004

The provincial government has outlined a strong conservation vision for 
Ontario's electricity sector, including:

    * the creation of a provincial Conservation Secretariat
    * clear provincial targets for conservation that will go beyond the 
interim target of 5% by 2007
    * province-wide programs in support of electricity conservation
    * incentives for local distribution companies (utilities) to promote 
conservation
Energy Minster Dwight Duncan today announced the framework for how the 
government is going to address Ontario's electricity crisis -- and 
conservation is a key part of the solution.  Premier McGuinty is expected 
to provide more details on the Province's commitment to conservation next 
week, including the role of Ontario's volunteers, community groups and 
non-governmental organizations in promoting a culture of conservation.

Details of the Minister's announcement can be found at 
http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=english.news&news_id=59&bod 
y=yes.

There are six parts to the government's vision:

1.  A combination of a fully regulated and a competitive electricity sector
The government will use a combination of fully regulated prices for nuclear 
and baseload hydroelectric power and a competitive market for additional 
power.  The combination of pricing mechanisms would result in a blended 
cost for all consumers.

2.  Price stability for consumers who want it, and flexibility for 
consumers who need it.
The government will offer price stability for those who want it through a 
regulated rate plan where prices will be averaged out over time but would 
remain stable each year.  Consumers will also be allowed to purchase their 
electricity from  energy retailers.

3.  Opportunities for Investors
The government will ensure that the private sector can earn a fair return 
on investments in the electricity sector.

4.  The creation of a new independent body called the Ontario Power Authority
The Authority will forecast needs and prepare an integrated system plan for 
conservation, generation and transmission.

5.  The creation of a new Conservation Secretariat to be housed in the 
Ontario Power Authority.
The Secretariat will develop province-wide programs to help Ontario's homes 
and businesses to conserve and save money.  The Conservation Secretariat 
will also monitor the progress Ontario is making in reducing overall demand.

The Secretariat's work will complement additional conservation programs 
developed and managed through the local distribution companies under a new 
pricing structure that would compensate and reward the LDCs for demand 
reductions.

6.  The  Ministry of Energy will continue to set targets for conservation, 
the use of renewable energy, and the overall supply mix of electricity in 
the province.
The government has already stated its medium-term goals: 5 per cent of 
Ontario's capacity should come from new renewable sources by 2007, 10 per 
cent by 2010; and electricity demand should be reduced by 5 per cent by 
2007 through conservation. The Ontario Power Authority would be charged 
with achieving the targets set by the government, and would include them in 
its system planning.




***************************
Promoting conservation leadership, cooperation, and action for over 50 years
The Conservation Council of Ontario
43 Sorauren Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6R 2C8
(416) 533-1635
www.greenontario.org
Chris Winter, Executive Director
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