Rethinking Energy Conservation:Recommendations

In May, 2010, the ECO released Rethinking Energy Conservation in Ontario: Annual Energy Conservation Progress Report - 2009 (Volume 1). This was the first Annual Report on the progress of activities in Ontario to reduce or make more efficient use of electricity, natural gas, propane, oil and transportation fuels. Click here for more information on this report, including videos and communications materials.
1 Executive Summary 2 The Context of the Report 3 Introduction 4 A Conservation Strategy for Ontario	5 Policy Framework Issues 5.1 Electricity Conservation and Demand Management 5.2 Natural Gas Demand-Side Management 5.3 Oil and Propane Conservation 5.4 Transportation Fuels Conservation 5.5 Multi-Fuel Conservation: The GEGEA 5.6 Energy Targets and Benchmarking 5.7 The Policy Framework Agenda	6 Barriers to Conservation 7 Conservation Initiatives Appendix A: Ontario’s Energy Use and Forecast Demand Appendix B: Energy Units Recommendations

Contents 1 Develop a comprehensive energy conservation strategy. 2 Stabilize electricity policy, and provide clarity and certainty to that policy. 3 Examine the role of benchmarking and energy targets. 4 Ensure accountability, transparency and public input on energy directives.

Develop a comprehensive energy conservation strategy.

The ECO recommends that the Secretary of Cabinet direct the development of a comprehensive energy conservation strategy encompassing all major energy sources used in Ontario. The strategy should be developed with public input.

Stabilize electricity policy, and provide clarity and certainty to that policy.

The ECO recommends that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure move quickly to clarify the role of the Integrated Power System Plan and to finalize the key conservation regulations and directives under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009.

The ECO recommends that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure commit to a period of policy stability to allow for implementation and evaluation of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009.

Examine the role of benchmarking and energy targets.

The ECO recommends that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure establish targets to reduce provincial electricity consumption. These consumption targets will supplement the province’s existing targets to reduce peak electricity demand and fulfill the government’s commitment to build a culture of conservation.

The ECO recommends that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure establish reportable benchmarking by sector. This would assist the government in deciding whether to establish targets to reduce the use of natural gas, oil, propane and transportation fuels, and would make the targets meaningful.

Ensure accountability, transparency and public input on energy directives.

The ECO recommends that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure provide an opportunity for public input in the development of policy directives to electricity sector institutions, as required by the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993.

The ECO recommends that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure develop a reporting mechanism to track progress on directives which ensures accountability and transparency.

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Citing This Article:
Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. 2010. Annual Energy Conservation Progress Report, 2009 (Volume One): Rethinking Energy Conservation in Ontario. Toronto, ON : Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. pp.