Re: Ontario Regulation 429…

Re: Ontario Regulation 429/04 Amendments Related to the Treatment of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements – ERO #019-8666

Thank you for your continued commitment to bettering energy policy in Ontario. This proposal is a first step toward Virtual Net Metering (VNM) in ON – something that will create more opportunities for business, put downward pressure on energy prices and reduce red tape for developers.

Ontario is lagging behind its peers on VNM.

Billions of dollars of investment, through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), have flowed through Alberta in recent years.

Nova Scotia has implemented similar policy as of this year, making room for corporate PPAs as well as Community Solar programs designed to help small businesses and consumers lower their energy bills while helping to green their grid.

Much of the USA has legislation to support Community Solar. This is seen by politicians of all stripes as a way to keep costs down for consumers.

We applaud this proposal as a good first step and we’re excited about the direction it takes energy policy in Ontario.

We would like to see the opportunity created by VNM available to all consumers. Specifically, we would like to see:

1) Virtual PPAs available to Class B customers, as well as Class A customers.
2) Community Solar Programs created as a way for consumers and small businesses to access clean power and keep their costs down.