Ontario needs to minimize…

Ontario needs to minimize the use of natural gas and avoid expanding the natural gas network. Instead, we need to make the transition to renewable, non-polluting energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal as soon as possible. This will ultimately save Ontarians not only money, but will grow an economy that protects livelihoods and our children's futures.

As there are alternatives to natural gas that are more affordable and less polluting, the role of natural gas in heating residential and small commercial buildings must be minimized, until it is eliminated entirely. I know that as a homeowner, I don't want to have dangerous, polluting "natural" gas in my home at all. Preference should be given to modern, cost effective and non-polluting solutions such as geo-exchange (ground-source) and air-source heat pumps.

The government of Ontario can ensure home heating is more affordable by NOT expanding the natural gas system, instead developing policies to encourage the use of energy efficient, cost effective, non-polluting heat pumps. The government of Ontario needs to get out of the way and let the OEB do their job. 

Natural gas has very high GHG emissions, with 80x greater potency than CO2, which makes it at least as dangerous as coal. Natural gas does not offset other GHG emitting sources. 

There is no reason to attempt to lower the emissions from the natural gas system as cleaner, more affordable solutions already exist and are being successfully used around the world. From EVs, to renewables and heat pumps, there is little-to-no use for natural gas going forward. Ontario’s natural gas network should be shrunk year over year until it is eliminated.