Statement by Alienor Rougeot, Senior Program Manager, Climate and Energy, on Ontario’s claims regarding the federal Clean Electricity Regulations.
Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – We are disappointed to see the Ontario government make unsupported claims about the proposed federal clean electricity regulations. By refusing to admit the economic, employment and environmental benefits of clean energy, the government is depriving Ontario ratepayers of more affordable bills and making our electricity dirtier than it has been in years.
The federal government’s proposed regulations to reduce emissions in electricity generation are achievable without breaking the bank. In fact, studies show that clean energy is a more affordable option than continuing to rely on fossil fuels. Ontario can meet its growing electricity needs with renewable energy when combined with storage technologies that enable the energy to be used when needed. Battery storage is very cost-effective. In the most recent procurement (LT1), battery storage facilities came in at less than half the cost of natural gas-fired power.
Yet, the Ontario government seems intent on dismissing this proven path in favour of costly and polluting gas plants, which would unnecessarily drive up costs for Ontarians.
The Ontario government is referencing a study from the IESO as the basis for its opposition to the CER, but has not released the study. We call on the Ontario government to release it and include the assumptions and analysis behind it. Wind and solar are the cheapest sources of new electricity generation, so the IESO must explain how it obtained such high cost estimates. Ontarians deserve an open and robust conversation about the choices the province can make in meeting future demand for electricity.
Background information:
- The Clean Electricity Regulations have not been finalized, and the federal government has put significant flexibility on the table since the draft regulations were published. For an analysis of the CER and the flexibilities considered by the government, please review this backgrounder.
- Ontario is going the wrong way when it comes to clean electricity. In 2017, our grid was 96 percent non-emitting. Now, due to the provincial government’s increased use of gas plants, it is only 87 percent emissions-free.
- The Atmospheric Fund has released analysis which indicates that Ontario is capable of ramping up renewable energy sources fast enough to meet its rising electricity demand and phase out gas-powered electricity by 2035.
- The federal government is also offering significant support, including $15 billion in Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credits by 2050, to help provinces cover the costs of transitioning to cleaner power.
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Tamara Latinovic, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
