Natural Gas is crucial to a…

Natural Gas is crucial to a strong & balanced energy mix in Ontario. The maintenance and expansion of the existing Natural Gas infrastructure must be a priority for the Government to ensure reliable energy, and economic growth. The Government should provide the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) with several guiding principles to help shape fair and effective Natural Gas Connection Policies, including:
1) Affordability and Accessibility
2) Environmental Sustainability
3) Flexibility and Consumer Choice
4) Long-term Planning and System Reliability
5) Innovation and Technological Development
6) Cost Recovery and Fairness
Therefore, it is important for the Government to advocate that there is a need to provide the consumer an option for an equal alternative energy source of Natural Gas.

The Natural Gas industry greatly assists in technological developments through ongoing research and development programs, benefitting the industry at large with ongoing product & technological developments (e.g. High Efficiency Furnaces, DC Decouplers, Advanced Cathodic Protection System etc.). Natural Gas supports Ontario’s industrial and agricultural sectors by providing affordable, reliable, and flexible energy solutions, especially for processes that are difficult to electrify. As Ontario works toward a more sustainable energy future, natural gas can serve as a bridge to cleaner technologies while maintaining economic vitality across key sectors. Natural Gas remains a cornerstone of the energy sector providing security and resiliency in Ontario & beyond. While the province and country increase reliance on renewable energy, natural gas provides the necessary backup, flexibility, and reliability to ensure a stable, secure energy system. Natural Gas supports the electrical grid during times of peak demand, extreme weather events, and fluctuating renewable output, all while facilitating Ontario’s gradual transition to a cleaner energy mix. Natural Gas is reliable & cost-effective asset; Natural Gas supports and can handle high-temperature processes; the Natural Gas industry supports job creation and regional development; Natural Gas is already available with the existing infrastructure which allows for a smooth transition to cleaner energy; and Natural Gas allows for energy security for our Nation.

Interprovincial Corrosion Control Co. Ltd. (ICCC) is a family-owned and operated company in Burlington, Ontario, which employs over forty (40+) personnel onsite, since 1957 (i.e. 68+ years of business with Ontario’s energy sector). ICCC specializes in the protection of buried or immersed steel structures (i.e., water/natural gas pipelines, fuel storage tanks, petroleum refineries, et al) by the proven technique of Cathodic Protection and Corrosion Control, ICCC essentially protects underground pipelines from damage associated with “Rust” and “Corrosion”. This form of protection to the buried pipeline structure controls and/or prevents failure of the pipeline from corrosion and avoids environmental disasters caused by ruptured gas and oil pipelines. Corrosion prevention allows for a sustainable future to the infrastructure already in place including the Natural Gas Network of piping systems. In addition, ICCC manufacturers the Rustrol® Product Line, for world-wide distribution which provides the industry the flexibility to design electrically safe Cathodic Protection Systems to protect the safety of the general public, operating personnel and equipment during electrical disturbances (i.e., AC Fault Currents, Lightning, AC Induced Voltage/AC Mitigation, etc.). ICCC is one of the many businesses across Ontario and Canada which rely on the upkeep and expansion of the Natural Gas Infrastructure. The Natural Gas industry allows for thousands of stable, well-paying jobs across Ontario that strengthen the local economies across Canada. Natural Gas is a strong backbone to Ontario’s export trade to the United States of America (USA) through utilization of existing and expanding pipeline infrastructure; again strengthening both the provincial and federal economies.

Natural Gas expansion projects must receive Government support & should be streamlined through the approval process. A faster approval process would ensure affordable home heating across Ontario, especially important in underserved or rural remote areas. A more efficient approval process would help speed up the deployment of infrastructure while minimizing costs, which ultimately benefit the consumer. This can be achieved with clear-guidance and a faster permit process; collaboration across Government Agencies; incentives for early-stage planning and development; clear financial support framework; public and stakeholder engagement; performance and accountability metrics.

As stated in the above explanation, it is Interprovincial Corrosion Control (ICCC)’s position for the Government to support the continued use and investment into maintaining and expanding the Natural Gas Infrastructure in Ontario’s Energy Mix.