Hydro Ottawa expresses its…

Hydro Ottawa expresses its support for the Ministry of Energy and Electrification's (ENERGY) proposal to introduce Beneficial Electrification (BE) programming as part of the broader electricity energy efficiency (EE) framework for 2025. Hydro Ottawa commends ENERGY's commitment to expanding customer choice, reducing energy costs and emissions, and addressing Ontario's growing electricity needs through innovative and accessible programs.

Alignment with Hydro Ottawa's Values
This proposal directly aligns with Hydro Ottawa's dedication to providing its customers with sustainable and affordable energy solutions. Hydro Ottawa believes that BE programming is a critical step towards empowering customers to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources.

By incentivizing the adoption of electric alternatives for space and water heating and other high consumption activities, this initiative will enable customers to make informed choices that can support them with managing energy costs and lowering GHG emissions.

Benefits for Hydro Ottawa's Customers: Expanding Choice and Access
Hydro Ottawa recognizes the diverse needs of its customers. To support the City of Ottawa's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it is crucial that BE programming ensures equitable access to incentives for all customers, both residential and commercial, regardless of their current fuel source. Incentives will help enable a shift away from high consumption fossil fuel activities; In Ontario there is currently a lack of financial support specifically for the implementation of BE projects in buildings.

Offering incentives for a wide range of electrification measures will empower customers to select the options that best suit their needs. This customer-centric approach will drive greater adoption of electric technologies and accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable energy future. Incentivizing building owners to transition to electricity is essential to meeting emissions reduction targets.

Supporting Ontario's Electricity System through Collaboration and Coordination
Hydro Ottawa recognizes the importance of addressing Ontario's growing electricity needs sustainably. LDCs are already planning for enhanced involvement in the 2025-2036 electricity energy efficiency framework and will be well positioned to support any energy efficiency and BE programming.

To ensure successful implementation, effective coordination between industry stakeholders and LDCs is essential to maximize customer participation, prepare the grid and achieve desired outcomes. It is important to stress that LDCs should have line of sight into the participation activity around BE programming uptake - at a granular level, not simply service territory wide - to help inform LDC system planning and design efforts with a primary goal of ensuring a reliable and affordable distribution system.

Regards
Hydro Ottawa Limited