Ontario’s New Long-Term Energy Plan Emphasizes Conservation, Demand Management And Renewables

Ontario has released its 2013 Long-Term Energy Plan, Achieving Balance, which focuses on conservation, demand management and renewables to meet the province's energy needs. It also envisions a reduction in projected cost increases by $16 billion in the near term (2013-2017) and $70 billion to 2030. While rates are expected to rise significantly, the new Plan will not raise costs as dramatically as anticipated in the 2010 version. Industrial consumers can expect to pay $3 million less than expected over the next five years and $11 million less to 2030.

By 2025, nearly half of Ontario's installed generating capacity will come from renewable sources. To achieve "balance" in the energy sector, Ontario will