Comment
Last December, the OEB reached a decision which would see developers pay for natural gas connections of new homes; Bill 165 flips that, and would have new home owners pay.
The result: Bill 165 will enrich Enbridge Gas and developers at the expense of homebuyers.
Enbridge has been subsidizing its plans to expand infrastructure for methane-heavy natural gas (aka Fossil Gas) by charging buyers of new homes for connections. After reviewing Enbridge Gas’ plans for the next five years, the OEB argued the company’s proposal would lead to “an overbuilt, underutilized gas system”. After all, the world is moving away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy. The Board told Enbridge Gas (whose parent company reported an annual revenue of $43.6 billion last year) to charge developers the costs of connecting new customers to the gas system.
The OEB said the requirement could encourage developers to consider more eco-friendly, economical alternatives such as heat pumps to cool and heat buildings.
The Ontario government is, once again, interfering with a process to benefit a wealthy corporation and assist developers who are intent on urban sprawl.
Bill 165 does not help ‘ordinary people’.
Submitted April 4, 2024 8:50 PM
Comment on
Proposed Amendments to the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 to provide the government with the authority to ensure fair and informed decision-making at the OEB to foster affordable communities.
ERO number
019-8307
Comment ID
97845
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Comment status