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Power surplus means coal plants no longer needed

Major opportunity for Ontario to demonstrate climate leadership

Power surplus means coal plants no longer needed

 
February 18, 2010 - Ontario now has a significant surplus of coal-free electricity, making it possible for the province to complete the coal phase out ahead of June’s G20 Summit in Toronto.
 
According to an Ontario Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) report released today, Finishing the coal phase-out: An historic opportunity for climate leadership, Ontario’s coal-free generation capacity is now 23% greater than the province’s forecast peak day demand in the summer of 2010 and 27% greater than its forecast peak day demand in 2014. As a consequence, we no longer need our dirty coal plants to keep the lights on in Ontario or to ensure a reliable electricity supply.
 
The OCAA is recommending that the province immediately put the coal plants on standby reserve between now and the legal phase out deadline of 2014 and operate them only in the event of a power emergency or to support grid stability. “This will mean effectively ending coal use and its huge climate impact today rather than waiting another four years to fully address the air and climate pollution produced by burning dirty coal,” says Jack Gibbons, Chair of the OCAA.
 
“The Independent Electricity System Operator predicts that even as our economy rebounds, Ontario will have a power surplus between now and 2014 thanks to new generation projects and more robust conservation efforts. We can live without coal and keep our economy humming,” says Mr. Gibbons.
 
“At a time when the world desperately needs climate leadership, Ontario can demonstrate that it is taking meaningful action to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets while embracing a new green economy when world leaders gather in Toronto,”  Mr. Gibbons points out.
 
“Let’s show the world that we do care about our health and our climate,” Mr. Gibbons adds.
 
- Key Facts -
 
  • Ontario’s coal-fired electricity generation fell by 73% between 2003 and 2009.
  • In 2009 Ontario’s coal-fired output was at its lowest level in 45 years.
  • Coal-fired generation is no longer profitable for Ontario Power Generation (OPG). During the first nine months of 2009, OPG received a $294 million subsidy from Ontario’s electricity consumers to compensate it for the operating losses of its Nanticoke and Lambton coal-fired power plants.
  •  In 2009, Ontario’s coal plants caused 246 deaths and almost 123,000 minor illnesses (e.g., asthma attacks).
  •  Ontario’s coal phase-out is the single largest greenhouse gas emission reduction initiative in North America – equivalent to taking almost 7 million cars off the road.
 
Finishing the coal phase-out: An historic opportunity for climate change is available online at www.cleanairalliance.org.
 
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For more information:
 
Jack Gibbons                                
416-926-1907 ext. 240
Chair, OCAA