Oakville, Ontario: The Ontario government recently announced that a major new gas-fired generating plant slated for construction in Oakville is now cancelled. At the October 7 press conference, local residents who opposed the plant were pleased, as was the member of provincial parliament for the area, Kevin Flynn.
A government statement noted that, “When the need for this plant was first identified four years ago, there were higher demand projections for electricity in the area. Since then, changes in demand and supply – including more than 8,000 megawatts of new, cleaner power and successful conservation efforts – have made it clear that this proposed natural gas plant is no longer required. A transmission solution can ensure that the growing region will have enough electricity to meet future needs of homes, hospitals, schools and businesses.”
Ontario Energy Minister Brad Duguid said, “As we’re putting together an update to our Long-Term Energy Plan, it has become clear we no longer need this plant in Oakville. … With transmission investments we can keep the lights on and still shut down all dirty coal-fired generation.”
The Ontario Energy Association issued a statement expressing its concerns over the government’s reversal. “We are disappointed by this decision and deeply troubled by its implications for energy security for Greater Toronto Area residents and businesses, and for investment in Ontario,” commented Elise Herzig, OEA President and CEO. Others are concerned about the degree of uncertainty surrounding the transmission option. In another part of the Greater Toronto Area, York Region, local opposition to a new transmission line had caused authorities to change direction a few years ago, which resulted in the procurement of a gas-fired power plant instead of transmission.
The government statement continued, saying, “The need for additional generation in Southwest GTA was first identified in 2006. Since then, additional supply has come online and the demand picture has changed in the region. Ontario permanently closed four more units of dirty, smog-producing, coal-fired generation on October 1, 2010, four years ahead of schedule. In 2009, more than 80 per cent of our generation came from emissions-free sources.”