On May 14th, 2009, the Ontario Green Energy Act basically passed and will soon be law. There seems to be a lot of people in the GTA who don't know a lot about this legislation, but who would like to know more about the meaning and possible effects.
We spoke with Mike Layton, Program Manager, Environmental Defence about the new legislation and some of the effects it might have in the Greater Toronto Area. Environmental defense is a 25 year old organization whose goal is to "protect the environment and human health across Canada". This respected organization publishes reports on environmental issues and helps educate Canadians on what we can do to reduce Canada's climate change footprint.
Mike was kind enough to answer some of our questions about the Act and how it could impact our local environment.
GreenGTA: What is the Green Energy Act?
Mike: The Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act is a world-class piece of legislation that aims to facilitate the rapid deployment of renewable energy, further energy conservation efforts and grow the Ontario economy by attracting investment and employment.
The Act does a number of things. First, The Act aims to enhance energy conservation efforts by improving programs and the energy efficiency of buildings and appliances. The greenest and cheapest energy, is energy saved. Second, the Act aims to increase the amount of renewable energy produced in the province by establishing North America’s first Feed-In Tariff (FIT) renewable energy program. Based on popular and successful strategies from across Europe, the Ontario FIT program sets prices for renewable energy based on the technology, size of the project and ownership. For example, different prices are set for energy generated by solar panels depending on if they are: single panels on family rooftops, large solar farms on top of industrial facilities, or fields of solar panels on the ground. Finally, the Act is part of a larger government strategy to bring jobs and investment to the Ontario economy by creating a secure and dependable investment climate and placing a priority on building renewable energy projects in Ontario.
GreenGTA: How likely is it that the Act will be passed into law?
Mike: The Act passed third reading Thursday May 14th, 2009 and will shortly become law after receiving royal assent.
GreenGTA: What kind of benefits could the Act have for reducing our collective footprint?
Mike: The province has committed to phase out coal power by 2015. In order to do this we need to find a clean source of electricity so that we don’t import coal power from US plants and export our carbon footprint to other regions. Renewable sources of electricity like wind, solar and biomass, will go a long way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation. Together with energy conservation, we will be able to meet out future needs while helping protect the planet.
GreenGTA: How could the Act affect homeowners in Ontario?
Mike: The Green Energy Act will benefit homeowners in a number of ways. First, people buying new homes will benefit from improved efficiencies in the building code, which will result in lower electricity bills. Second, home buyers will have more opportunities to view energy audits for homes before they purchase them, ensuring they understand the costs associated with heating and cooling their new investment. Lastly, homeowner will be able to make money from the installation of rooftop solar panels at a sizable rate of return. Home owners can become energy producers.
GreenGTA: Some critics have suggested that there will be an explosion of wind farms built near residential neighbourhoods in Ontario if the Act passes. Is this scenario likely?
Mike: Energy is most cost effective if it is generated in close proximity to where it is used. This means that Ontario will see new wind turbines across the province in remote locations, on rural lands, and in urban areas, but only where they will not threaten sensitive ecosystems and public health. Modern turbines are relatively quite and, properly sited, can become a valued part of the landscape and community without disturbing the natural habitat and lifestyle of those living around them. Generating energy using solar and wind technologies close to urban areas reduces the cost and impact of adding additional electrical wires from large centralized power stations.
GreenGTA: Is Environmental Defence working towards helping the Act pass into law? If so, how?
Mike: Environmental Defence is helping coordinate the efforts of the Green Energy Act Alliance, a coalition of leading environmental organizations, industrial associations, farmers and labour groups. The Alliance is providing expert advise and recommendations to the government on how to improve the Green Energy Act and helping educate the public on the benefits of renewable energy and conservation.
GreenGTA: How can people get involved if they want to help the Act be passed?
Mike: Now that the Act has passed, key regulations that will guide the implementation of the Act need to be drafted by the government. To keep up-to-date as to the progress, please visit www.greenenergyact.ca for details.
More information about the Green Energy Act can be found here:
You can also find out more information about Environmental Defence on their website at environmentaldefence.ca.
Photo by Extra Ketchup
