We are a utilities…

We are a utilities construction services business, supporting electrical, water, transportation and natural gas service provision to Ontario communities. Our company has been in operation in Ontario since 1996 and during peak season in 2024 employed nearly 200 people on a full time basis.

We are very much in support of the views expressed in the Proposal Background information. As a daily service provider to electrical utilities and their major contractors, it is clear to us that it will take some time for this sector to build the needed infrastructure to become the leading energy provider. This includes generation and distribution. Most importantly, it will take time to recruit and train people for safe work operations around the electrical plant. Do not underestimate the trained people resources needed- this will be a significant issue and potential ongoing barrier to the targeted growth of electrical supply to reduce the use of natural gas.

The government needs to build a realistic 20yr plan for the effective transition to electrical energy and reduction in dependency on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, government and stakeholders need to recognize that natural gas needs to play an important role in the effective transition to use of electrical energy more comprehensively. These reasons are well-expressed in the Proposal document. The OEB should strongly support the natural gas industry efforts to maintain and appropriately grow the gas distribution infrastructure. During the generational transition to non-fossil fuel energy sources, the OEB needs to fully support gas industry efforts to reduce and eliminate methane leaks in the distribution system. It is quite conceivable that the natural gas infrastructure will in time be available and helpful for distribution of clean-burning hydrogen energy.

In summation, we fully support the rational and realistic transition to clean energy sources. These views are effectively presented in the Proposal document.

Thank you.