This consultation was open from:
June 30, 2021
to July 30, 2021
Decision summary
We considered the comments received on the proposal posting and developed updates to the name and design of the Northern Industrial Electricity Rate (NIER) Program.
Decision details
The purpose of the proposal was to solicit input on the proposed design of the future NIER Program that was proposed to provide ongoing support for northern industrial facilities starting April 1, 2022.
The proposal was intended to support and retain large electricity users, as well as promote competitiveness and jobs in Northern Ontario. The previous term of the NIER Program was launched in 2017, and expired on March 31, 2022. Based on government decisions, updates to the program include:
- Renewed program term for five years from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2027.
- A new program name, Northern Energy Advantage Program, to better reflect program objectives, and to align with program enhancements.
- Capped rebates at the average of 2017-2020 electricity consumption levels.
- Removal of the maximum rebate cap of $20 million per company per year.
- Expanded program eligibility to allow for new participants, such as critical minerals mining and processing and Battery Electric Vehicle supply chain manufacturing facilities.
- Creation of an investor class stream that will provide enhanced benefits for a time-limited period for participants that undertake transformational investments, such as greenhouse gas reductions and transitioning to clean technologies.
- Increased investment from the current $120 million per year to $176 million in 2025-26.
Effects of consultation
The comments received through the posting were supportive of the NIER Program, advocating continued support for large industrials, and highlighting the program’s significance for sustaining operations of program participants.
Input was also received on specific aspects of the NIER Program, including comments which:
- Demonstrated strong support for the ongoing nature of the NIER Program;
- Encouraged raising the maximum rebates a company may receive; and
- Encouraged an alternative approach for allocating a participant’s rebate (e.g., allocate rebates monthly instead of quarterly)
The ministry took the written comments into consideration as the design of the revised program was developed.
Supporting materials
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Connect with us
Contact
Alexandra Stempel, Northern Development Advisor, Coordination and Analysis Unit
Original proposal
Proposal details
In keeping with the Ministry’s Statement of Environmental Values, the revised NIER Program will promote sustainable economic development in Northern Ontario. The NIER Program assists Northern Ontario’s largest industrial electricity consumers to reduce energy costs, sustain jobs and maintain global competitiveness.
The NIER Program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program and participants are required to meet and maintain all eligibility and program requirements. The program incentivizes Northern Ontario’s largest industrial electricity consumers to develop and implement long-term efficiency and sustainability measures to achieve greater electricity efficiency by committing to the development and implementation of an Energy Management Plan (EMP). EMPs are also encouraged to include activities related to Climate Change mitigation.
As noted above, EMP parameters promote sustainable economic development by requiring participants to propose steps and methods for improving electrical efficiency and sustainability.
The purpose of the proposal is to solicit input on the future the NIER Program and help inform a government decision on the program in advance of the expiry of the current term on March 31, 2022.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from June 30, 2021
to July 30, 2021
Comments received
Through the registry
4By email
0By mail
0