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<font size=7 color="#008000"><b><i><div align="center">
Green On.<br>
</font></i><font color="#000080">The Online Newsletter of the
Conservation Council of Ontario<br>
</b>see
<a href="http://www.greenontario.org/" eudora="autourl">www.greenontario.</a><a href="http://www.greenontario.org/" eudora="autourl">org</a>
for the online version and to subscribe or unsubscribe<br>
<br>
</font><font size=6 color="#000080"><b>Ontario takes the first step towards <br>
a Conserver Society <br>
</font><font size=5 color="#008000">Energy Ministry Establishes a Conservation Secretariat for Electricity<br>
<br>
</font><font color="#000080">A special edition of the Conservation Council of Ontario's e-newsletter<br>
April 15, 2004<br>
<br>
</font></div>
The provincial government has outlined a strong conservation vision for Ontario's electricity sector, including:<br>
<ul>
<li>the creation of a provincial Conservation Secretariat
<li>clear provincial targets for conservation that will go beyond the interim target of 5% by 2007
<li>province-wide programs in support of electricity conservation
<li>incentives for local distribution companies (utilities) to promote conservation</b>
</ul>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.<br>
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Details of the Minister's announcement can be found at <a href="http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=english.news&news_id=59&body=yes" eudora="autourl">http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=english.news&news_id=59&body=yes</a>.<br>
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There are six parts to the government's vision:<br>
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<b>1. A combination of a fully regulated and a competitive electricity sector<br>
</b>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.<br>
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<b>2. Price stability for consumers who want it, and flexibility for consumers who need it. <br>
</b>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.<br>
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<b>3. Opportunities for Investors<br>
</b>The government will ensure that the private sector can earn a fair return on investments in the electricity sector.<br>
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<b>4. The creation of a new independent body called the Ontario Power Authority<br>
</b>The Authority will forecast needs and prepare an integrated system plan for conservation, generation and transmission.<br>
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<b>5. The creation of a new Conservation Secretariat to be housed in the Ontario Power Authority.<br>
</b>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.<br>
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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.<br>
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<b>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.<br>
</b>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. <br>
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<div>***************************</div>
<div>Promoting conservation leadership, cooperation, and action for over 50 years</div>
<div>The Conservation Council of Ontario</div>
<div>43 Sorauren Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6R 2C8</div>
<div>(416) 533-1635</div>
<div><a href="http://www.greenontario.org/" EUDORA=AUTOURL>www.greenontario.org</a> </div>
<div>Chris Winter, Executive Director</div>
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