Ontario calls for public input on clean energy plans

Minister of Energy Glenn Thibeault visited Holy Cross Elementary School in Sudbury to launch consultations with a Grade 5 class of students, who recently wrote to the minister with questions about energy issues in Ontario.

“Public discussions on the future of Ontario’s energy system will help us build a plan to ensure the people of Ontario continue to benefit from a reliable supply of clean electricity. I invite individuals across Ontario to share their thoughts and ideas. Working together to build this plan, I know we can ensure our system is more affordable and reliable for all,” Thibeault said.

Get involved in the conversation by visiting www.Ontario.ca/EnergyTalks:

• Share your ideas online starting on October 17
• Attend one of the in-person consultations across the province
• Send in a written submission on the Environmental Registry

Supporting a reliable supply of clean, affordable electricity is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

Quick Facts

• The recently released discussion guide, entitled Planning Ontario’s Energy Future, as well as the Independent Electricity System Operator’s Ontario Planning Outlook and a Fuels Technical Report will help inform the consultations.
• Ontario previously released Long-Term Energy Plans in 2010 and 2013. These plans identify needs for various investments over the shorter term, while broadly mapping out the direction of the sector over a 20 year timeframe.
• The development of the Long-Term Energy Plan will balance the principles of affordability, reliability, clean energy, community and Indigenous engagement, as well as conservation and demand management.
• In 2014, Ontario successfully eliminated coal-fired electricity generation – the single-largest greenhouse gas emissions reduction in North America.
• Ontario produced approximately 160 terawatt hours of electricity in 2015. This was supplied by a diverse mix of resources, including 58 per cent nuclear, 23 per cent hydroelectric, 10 per cent natural gas, and 9 per cent combined solar, wind and bioenergy.
• In 2015, Ontario consumed approximately 2,500 petajoules (PJ) of fuel for energy purposes.