May 17, 2024 Submitted…

May 17, 2024
Submitted Electronically

Ontario Ministry of Energy
IGUA Submission “Fast Tracking Certain Small Energy Infrastructure Projects”
ERO 019-8562

The Industrial Gas Users Association (IGUA) appreciates the opportunity to share its views with the Ministry regarding the “Fast Tracking of Certain Small Energy Infrastructure Projects” ERO 019-8562.

IGUA represents the largest industrial natural gas consumers from the chemicals, refining, steel, forest products, mining and manufacturing sectors in Ontario and Quebec. The IGUA membership is composed of energy -intensive trade-exposed heavy industries who use a highly skilled work force creating thousands of good paying jobs in the province. IGUA members are large employers, at times sole employers, in many remote and rural communities across the province. IGUA members are primary employers in Ontario’s major industrial hubs in Sarnia, Sudbury, and Hamilton.

IGUA supports the Government’s proposed regulations aimed at streamlining the OEB requirements for Leave to Construct (LTC) on small natural gas pipeline projects, particularly enabling a streamlined exemption application route for projects between $2 million to $10 million. IGUA acknowledges and supports maintaining the need for Indigenous consultation and environmental review standards.

The proposed regulation will allow large industrials to advance and complete energy transition projects much faster where small pipeline infrastructure or station reinforcements are required. Facilitating these projects further enhances industrial competitiveness ensuring continued economic growth and investments in the province.

IGUA would like to thank the Ministry of Energy for proposing meaningful changes to the regulations and looks forward to continuing to work together in the future.

Respectfully submitted,

Shahrzad Rahbar, PhD
President