GEA Overview
February 23, 2009
Location: Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Green Energy and Economy Act, 2009: Bill 150
The Hon. George Smitherman, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, introduced Bill 150. Bill 150 is intended to fast track a broad range of new renewable generation facilities, to establish a culture of conservation in Ontario, and to facilitate the inclusion of First Nations and Métis communities in the "green energy economy".
The entire GEA may also be seen as a climate change initiative. Through the increased development of renewable energy projects, Ontario’s overall carbon footprint may be reduced over time. This will have implications for the province’s contribution to federal and other emissions reductions targets.
How this applies to Sunbay Energy:
The sweeping changes replace the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP) with a system of feed-in tariffs and power pricing based on project criteria.
It will now be easier for renewable energy projects to move through the approvals process and connect to the provincial electricity grid.
According to Linda Thompson, Mayor of Port Hope, Ontario, home of the Sunbay Port Hope Project:
"Now is the time for the public and private sector to work together to build essential infrastructure and create sustainable employment. The opportunity this opens for world-class energy projects that also protect the environment, like Sunbay Port Hope, could be a huge step forward for the Province."
Mayor Earle Freeborn, Mayor of Chapleau, Ontario, home of the Chapleau Biomass Project:
"These are great projects at any time, but right now we need good news more than ever. Passing the Green Energy Act will support the success of the Chapleau Biomass Project, and that in turn will support the success of our community."
Jordan Oxley, President of Sunbay Energy:
"This is clearly a major boost for renewable energy and the environment. We applaud Premier McGuinty, Minister Smitherman, the Liberal Cabinet and Caucus, and all Members from all parties that support this initiative. The Green Energy Act will motivate developers like Sunbay to build more projects, sooner, and that means a healthier environment and quality jobs."
Key Features of Bill 150:
Creation of a Renewable Energy Facilitation Office
Streamlined Approvals Process
Feed-In Tariff Program
Expedited Connections for Renewable Power Projects
Planning Act Exemptions
Conservation and Demand Management Directives
Smart Grid
Generation by Municipal Electric Utilities
Renewable Energy Cooperatives
Reports:
Borden Lardner Gervais: Ontario’s Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009—Turbo-Charging Renewage Generation and Conservation
(Energy Markets Bulletin.pdf)
Fogler, Rubinoff LLP, Barristers & Solicitors: The Ontario Green Energy and Economy Act, 2009
(Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009.pdf)
George Vegh, McCarthy Tetrault LLP, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (Adjunct Professor): The Green Energy and Green Economy Act: Green Energy Unbounded, February 24, 2009
(Green_Energy_Unbounded.pdf) |
