Ontario offers tax break on Energy Star products

TORONTO, ONTARIO - The province is giving a tax break to people who buy certain energy-efficient products.

Starting July 19, anyone who buys Energy Star light bulbs and appliances won't be charged provincial sales tax at the till.

The deal, announced Wednesday by Premier Dalton McGuinty, will last for one year.

But the opposition said this is just a flip-flop designed to get the Liberals re-elected Oct. 10.

Conservative Tim Hudak said the Liberals cancelled a similar tax credit program in 2004 that also refunded the PST to customers who bought Energy Star products.

He said the Liberals have resurrected the tax break just in time for the fall election.

"This is conversion on the road to electoral defeat," Hudak said. But McGuinty said the Liberal refund is different and more convenient because people don't have to wade through applications – they are exempted from paying PST right at the cash register.

"We've brought back a plan today which is a much stronger incentive," McGuinty said, adding the previous Conservative tax credit only had a "modest impact."

"We've gone beyond that."

The announcement is part of the Liberals' climate-change plan being rolled out as the summer election campaign gets underway.

Related News

opg and tva

OPG, TVA Partner on New Nuclear Technology Development

WASHINGTON - Two of North America's leading nuclear utilities unveiled a pioneering partnership to develop advanced nuclear technology as an integral part of a clean energy future and creating a North American energy hub. Ontario Power Generation and the Tennessee Valley Authority will jointly work to help develop small modular reactors as an effective long-term source of 24/7 carbon-free energy in both Canada and the U.S.

The agreement allows the companies to coordinate their explorations into the design, licensing, construction and operation of small modular reactors.

"As leaders in our industry and nations, OPG and TVA share a common goal to decarbonize energy generation while maintaining reliability and low-cost service, which…

READ MORE
china hydropower

China to build 525-MW hydropower station on Yangtze tributary

READ MORE

connexus solar workers

How ‘Virtual Power Plants’ Will Change The Future Of Electricity

READ MORE

power tower

California Considers Revamping Electricity Rates in Bid to Clean the Grid

READ MORE

Can COVID-19 accelerate funding for access to electricity?

READ MORE