Windsor

Ontario Suspends Green Energy Projects

The province is immediately suspending two programs that facilitate new green energy projects to give consumers a break on their electricity bills.

By suspending the second round of its Large Renewable Procurement process and the Energy from Waste Standard Offer Program, Ontario has halted procurement of over 1000 MW of solar, wind, hydroelectric, bioenergy and energy from waste projects. A release from the Ontario government says the decision will not result in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

"Our decision to suspend these procurements is not one we take lightly," says Energy Minister Glen Thibeault. "This decision will both maintain system reliability and save up to $3.8-billion in electricity system costs relative to the 2013 LTEP [Long-Term Energy Plan] forecast. The typical residential electricity consumer would save an average of approximately $2.45 a month on their electricity bill, relative to previous forecasts."

The release says the province has already attracted billions of dollars in private sector investment in the green energy sector, generating more than 42,000 jobs, and producing 18,000 MW. It says the electrical supply is now over 90% emissions free.

Earlier this month, the Independent Electricity System Operator presented a report on the future of Ontario's energy system advising Ontario has a healthy supply of energy, enough to meet projected demand over the next decade.

This fall, consultations involving consumers, businesses, Indigenous peoples and energy stakeholders start on a new long-term energy plan.

In response to Tuesday's announcement, a Progressive Conservative MPP is calling for the province to scrap a wind project in Elgin County. Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek says the project in Dutton-Dunwich should be cancelled.

"The community has been emphatically against any wind project in the municipality," says Yurek. "This contract will produce energy we do not need.”

The Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich declared itself a "non-willing host" to wind turbines after a community survey suggested 84% of the community opposed them.

“It is my hope that the government will continue to follow our Party’s advice and cancel the Dutton/Dunwich wind project that has divided and torn the community apart,” Yurek says in a release issued Tuesday afternoon.

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