Ontario’s Ministry of Energy is to immediately suspend the second round of its Large Renewable Procurement process and the Energy-from-Waste Standard Offer Program, halting procurement of over 1000 MW of waste to energy, solar, wind, hydroelectric and bioenergy projects.
Ontario’s Ministry of Energy is to immediately suspend the second round of its Large Renewable Procurement (LRP II) process and the Energy-from-Waste Standard Offer Program, halting procurement of over 1000 MW of waste to energy, solar, wind, hydroelectric and bioenergy projects.
The Ministry said that it expects the decision to save up to $3.8 billion in electricity system costs relative to Ontario’s 2013 Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) forecast. On 1 September this year the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) provided the Minister of Energy with the Ontario Planning Outlook, an independent report analysing a variety of planning scenarios for the future of Ontario’s energy system.
The IESO advised that Ontario will benefit from a robust supply of electricity over the coming decade to meet projected demand.
Informed by the Ontario Planning Outlook, the Ministry said that consultations and engagements will begin this autumn with consumers, businesses, energy stakeholders and Indigenous partners regarding the development of a new Long-Term Energy Plan, which is scheduled to be released in 2017.
The Ministry added that as part of this plan, Ontario remains committed to an affordable, clean and reliable electricity system, including renewables. The province has 42,000 jobs in the clean technology sector and around 18 GW of wind, solar, bioenergy and hydroelectric energy contracted or online. The electricity supply was claimed to now be over 90% emissions-free.
Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy commented:
“Over the course of the last decade, Ontario has rebuilt our electricity system and secured a strong supply of clean power.
“Our decision to suspend these procurements is not one we take lightly. This decision will both maintain system reliability and save up to $3.8 billion in electricity system costs relative to the 2013 LTEP forecast.
“The typical residential electricity consumer would save an average of approximately $2.45 per month on their electricity bill, relative to previous forecasts.
“As we prepare for a renewed LTEP, we will continue to plan for our future and ensure Ontario benefits from clean, reliable and affordable power for decades to come.”
Source: waste-management-world.com
