Ontario Power Generation — 100% owned by the Government of Ontario — has just spent $2.8 billion to buy three gas-fired power plants.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) projects that under the Ford government’s electricity plan, emissions from gas-fired power plants will rise by more than 300%. This is essentially throwing away one-third of the climate pollution reductions Ontario achieved by phasing out coal-fired power.
There are far better ways to keep our lights on, starting with maximizing our energy efficiency efforts, making a deal with Quebec for low-cost water power and developing cost-effective renewable energy projects right here in Ontario.
These actions would allow Ontario to phase out polluting gas-fired power and create a strong foundation for a green economic recovery from our current covid-19 crisis. Instead of spending $2.8 billion to increase greenhouse gas pollution, Ontario should be embracing the opportunity to develop a 100% renewable electricity system.
We recently looked at this better approach in a Zoom webinar you can watch, or view the powerpoint slides here. We have also spelled out how Ontario can phase out its gas plants in a new report.
If you think we have better ways to spend $2.8 billion than buying polluting gas plants, send a letter to Doug Ford and the leaders of the opposition parties here: OntarioClimateAction.ca.
Thank you for making the time.
-Angela Bischoff, Director