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Ontario proposing to help big manufacturers, industrials conserve energy

Ontario is proposing to help the province’s largest industrial companies and manufacturers conserve energy in a way that will have little to no impact on electricity bills for Ontario families, according to the provincial government.

“We've invested in a reliable electricity system that families and businesses can count on,” said Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “We’ve put a heavy emphasis on renewable energy, which is better for our health, our environment and our economy. Now we’re adjusting prices in a responsible way to help our manufacturing sector—in a way that does not negatively impact Ontario families.”

The government says the province’s largest energy users will be given the opportunity to save on costs and increase their competitiveness by changing their energy consumption to “off-peak” times when there is less strain on the system. These changes, according to the government, will provide short- and long-term benefits to all electricity users by reducing emissions and cleaning the air, and improving the reliability of the power grid.

“This important change will help Ontario stay competitive and protect jobs,” said Ian Howcroft, Vice President of CME (Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters) Ontario. “Many of Ontario’s largest manufactures and largest energy users will be given the opportunity to shift their behaviour to off-peak times, which will help them save on costs and grow their businesses. This is good news for all Ontarians.”

This proposed price change would take effect January 1, 2011 and be available to about 200 of Ontario’s largest electricity users. The Ontario government says it will provide the most benefit to those companies that shift their consumption away from peak demand periods.

August 18, 2010  By  John Gilson