RE: Region of Peel…

 

RE: Region of Peel Submission on the update to Ontario’s Long Term Energy Plan via the Planning Ontario’s Energy Future Discussion Guide and EBR Posting 012-8840.

 

The Region of Peel would like to thank the Province for the opportunity to participate in the Long Term Energy Plan consultation process. The Region of Peel recognizes the importance of having a Provincial Long Term Energy Plan that has a balance of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. It is from this perspective that the Region has provided the following feedback.

 

Electricity Rates

 

•The Region of Peel recognizes the important role that a ‘cleaner’ electricity grid plays in combatting climate change, we ask that Province pursues this important goal while making cost effective decision for electricity supply, whether it be through the importation of hydro power or creating a more competitive process for awarding generation contracts.

 

Promotion of Municipal Renewable Natural Gas Projects

 

•As the Province’s electricity grid produces less greenhouse gas emissions more attention should be given to natural gas and fleet fuel. To help reduce the impact of these fuel sources the Province should work closely with municipalities to create programs, policies, and regulations that will promote and allow for the recovery of renewable natural gas from municipal wastewaster and waste processes. This should include ensuring adequate access to the natural gas infrastructure and cost certainty for market transformation.

 

Opportunities for Innovation

 

•District energy is an energy solution that has received international acceptance, however, Ontario has been a laggard in this area. The Region would like to see the Province take a progressive stance on the enablement of district energy solutions. As one of the larger consumers of energy in the Province how will municipal participation in innovate projects, such as district energy, be promoted and incentivized?

 

Expansion of Natural Gas Infrastructure

 

•In Northern Peel many residents and businesses do not have access to natural gas and are forced to rely on more expensive sources of energy (often dirtier (i.e.oil)) to heat their homes. Will the Long-Term Energy Plan support the expansion of this infrastructure?

 

Collection of Municipal Energy Consumption Data

 

•Significant resources have been invested by municipalities to ensure that we meet the energy consumption reporting requirements of Ontario Regulation 397/11.  How is the Province using this information to promote conservation among municipalities?

 

Energy Project Municipal Consultation

 

•Municipal consultation for provincial energy projects has been limited in the past. It is important that municipalities are engaged from the start. What form will municipal consultation take for future energy pipeline and generation projects?

 

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

 

•To reduce greenhouse gas emission the Province is providing incentives for electric vehicles. What role does the Province believe municipalities will have in supporting electric vehicle infrastructure/charging station? (planning, by-laws, provision of charging stations).

 

Encouraging Conservation in Established Communities

 

•The Region of Peel is built out in many areas, therefore, energy reductions must occur within our existing building stock. Does the Province envision a role for municipalities to encourage conservation in built neighbourhoods? If so, how?

 

Decentralized Generation

 

•The Province recognizes that decentralizing electricity generation creates a more secure grid, keeps money in the local economy, and reduces losses during transmission, yet in Peel we are often limited by capacity constraints. Will the LTEP address capacity constraints so decentralized energy solutions, like district energy, are feasible in urban areas?

 

Putting Conservation First

 

•Cost effectiveness cannot be overlooked when implementing GHG reducing initiatives, and energy efficiency is the most cost effective measure for reducing GHG emissions. Is the Province planning to put greater weight on efficiency and conservation techniques, as opposed to the funding of new infrastructure?

 

Municipal Regulative Power

 

•Allowing municipalities to go above and beyond province wide regulations, such as being able to make OBC suggested standards into mandatory building requirements, can help to accelerate energy conservation and climate change action. How will the Province support municipalities should they choose to go beyond the Ontario Building Code?

 

Fuel Switching

 

•The best scenario for Ontario to achieve its GHG targets requires massive switching from fossil fuels to electricity. How is the Province planning on supplying affordable clean electricity in this future scenario?

 

Domestic Production

 

•The Province imports $11 billion in fossil fuels annually. How will the Province balance energy rates while limiting the importation and supporting domestic energy production in order to maintain a strong provincial economy?

 

Contingency Planning

 

•A large percent of Ontario’s electricity comes from nuclear power, and risks to the nuclear electricity supply, including delays in refurbishment of Bruce and Darlington as well as license extension issues for the Pickering plant, could have significant impacts such as temporary increased use of fossil fuels. How are these risks being accounted for in the Long Term Energy Plan?

 

[Original Comment ID: 207070]