Lower Bills and Pollution in Toronto’s Next Energy Plan
THE PROBLEM
Toronto’s energy plan is getting a refresh. This is a crucial opportunity to make sure that Toronto prioritizes clean energy, cuts pollution and helps the city meet its climate goals. With growing energy demands from an expanding population and economy, this update is more important than ever.
A portion of Toronto's electricity still comes from the polluting Portlands Energy Centre in the city’s East End. This is our chance to make sure the plant shuts down when its contract expires.
THE SOLUTION
A clean, affordable and reliable energy future for Toronto is within reach. We’ve outlined a vision to meet Toronto's growing electricity needs while phasing out gas plants by 2035, through local solutions and renewable energy sources. This vision focuses on:
- Reducing Energy Waste: Implementing energy efficiency could reduce Toronto's 2023 demand by approximately 10 per cent.
- Solar Panels on Rooftops: By covering half of Toronto’s rooftop area with solar panels, the city could generate 4.9 TWh of electricity annually, enough to phase out the Portlands gas plant and meet 15-25% of our additional needs by 2035. This ambitious target is achievable and aligns with the city’s long-term climate plans.
- Energy Storage: Maximizing energy storage, from residential batteries to thermal storage, will guarantee reliability and complement renewable energy generation.
- Renewable Energy from Wind and Solar: To meet any additional demand, Toronto can rely on the cheapest and cleanest sources of energy: solar and wind. Offshore wind in the Great Lakes could significantly contribute to the city's electricity supply, with potential wind farms producing up to 150 TWh annually.
- District Energy Heating: Toronto can meet more of its heating and cooling needs with district energy systems, such as the existing one using Lake Ontario as a thermal storage source or the University of Toronto’s electric central heating system.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Join us in pushing for a clean energy vision that prioritizes efficiency, rooftop solar, storage, and renewable power. By supporting energy-saving measures, renewable energy investments and storage solutions, we can help Toronto reduce its reliance on polluting gas plants.
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