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Attention News Editors:
Expanding Opportunities For Renewable Energy In Ontario New Standard Price Will Add Up To 1,000 Megawatts Over The Next 10 Years
CAMBRIDGE, ON, March 21 /CNW/ - 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 today.
"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."
Disponible en français
www.premier.gov.on.ca
For further information: Premier's Media Office, (416) 314-8975
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