Ontario engineers support restructure of province’s electricity system

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers expressed support today for the McGuinty Government’s plan to introduce new legislation that will restructure Ontario’s electricity system. The statement came after Energy Minister Dwight Duncan, MPP announced plans to develop new supply, boost conservation and introduce price stability for consumers.

“We’re pleased that conservation and renewable energy is being viewed as a priority by this government,” said Chris Cragg, MBA, P.Eng., Vice Chair of OSPE and Chair of OSPE’s Energy Working Group. “We have long held that conservation and sustainable new generation are of equal importance to the economy and quality of life in Ontario. We look forward to reviewing the new legislation in detail and sharing the expertise of Ontario’s engineers with the government during the consultation process.”

In February 2004, OSPE made a Pre-Budget Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, urging the government to actively promote conservation and invest in generation. The submission strongly endorsed the creation of an “Office of Energy Efficiency” and a central electricity system planning and implementation authority, as suggested in the government’s Electricity Conservation and Supply Task Force Final Report. As such, OSPE was very pleased to see that the new legislation will provide for the creation of a new Ontario Power Authority to ensure an adequate, long-term supply of electricity, as well as a Conservation Bureau to promote demand-side management.

OSPE also supports plans to implement true value pricing for electricity. “As we have stated in the past, only by paying the true cost of electricity will consumers realize the need to conserve,” Mr. Cragg, MBA, P.Eng., said. “At the same time, we recognize that the price cap must be eased off gradually to mitigate the impact on consumers.”

Keep up to date on all the Society’s ongoing advocacy work by visiting, www.ospe.on.ca.