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McGuinty Government establishing conservation targets for local electricity

Ontario is establishing conservation targets for all local electricity utilities. The Ontario Energy Board and the Ontario Power Authority will be directed to implement these targets.

These targets will help utilities design and deliver conservation programs to residential, commercial, institutional and industrial customers across the province. This will expand the number of conservation programs in Ontario to include:

• Province-wide Programs - programs jointly developed by the Ontario Power Authority and local electricity utilities
• Collective Local Distribution Company Programs - programs developed by groups of local electricity utilities
• Individual Local Distribution Company Programs - programs developed by individual local electricity utilities to meet unique local needs

The conservation targets aim to achieve 1,330 megawatt (MW) of provincial peak demand savings over a four-year period beginning January 1, 2011. 

Transitioning families, businesses and government to lower and more efficient energy use is a key focus of Ontario's Green Energy Act and supports the five-year Open Ontario plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth.

"This latest development is a strong indication of government's commitment to conservation and its recognition of the leadership role that electricity distribution companies will play in fostering a culture of conservation among Ontarians," says Charlie Macaluso, President and CEO, Electricity Distributors Association. "Clear conservation targets and resources will allow us to provide our customers with local programs that can help them manage the electricity they use in their homes and businesses."

April 26, 2010  By Newswire