Hello, I just wanted to…

Hello,

I just wanted to pass along my thoughts and my strong opinion that Ontario should make a concrete, aggressive plan to go 100% renewable for its energy use. I want Ontario's next Long-Term Energy Plan to acknowledge that going 100% renewable is not only a possibility but the ideal and most cost-effective option long-term.

The costs associated with lengthy nuclear and natural gas contracts, negative health implications, and growing decommissioning costs only outline why Ontario must aggressively pursue a low-cost renewable energy future.  The cost of high capacity solar panels has decreased 50% in the last 6 years.  The costs to decommission a nuclear plant grow with age and expansion. Whether it's the government subsidising electricity through rate cuts (with tax money) or growing electricity costs, the taxpayer pays in the end no matter what.

Ontario’s 2013 energy plan committed to close the Pickering nuclear station between 2017 and 2020, but earlier this year the government announced they would renege on this promise and keep operating Pickering until 2024.

Almost all of Pickering’s output is surplus and exported to Michigan at a loss.  This is also driving up energy costs.

Thank you,

- Jay

[Original Comment ID: 204814]