Ontario's Local Distribution Companies Play Key Role in Attaining Improved Rating

TORONTO, ONTARIO - The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA), the voice of Ontario's electricity distributors, is pleased that the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA) has recognized and awarded the province a B plus in 2006 for Ontario's progress on energy efficiency. This is a jump of more than a full grade, from a C minus designation in 2004.

Ontario's electricity distributors are the primary frontline deliverers of Conservation and Demand Management programs to electricity consumers across the province. The government has set the aggressive, but achievable 6300 MW target for energy conservation by 2025 - a target that can be achieved with the direct involvement, innovation and leadership of the province's distributors.

"This positive upgrade indicates very clearly that Ontario is on the right track in its energy conservation efforts," said EDA Chair, Michael Angemeer. "It recognizes the positive results attained by electricity distributor's conservation activities, and the successful province-wide coordination of both consumer and commercial conservation programming."

Over 500 CDM programs have been delivered or are planned by the province's distributors as part of $163 million in CDM plans approved by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). In its first year in 2005, distributors invested $36 million in conservation programs that resulted in electricity savings of close to 160 million kilowatts, equivalent to powering over 14,000 homes for a year. They are well on their way to surpassing these benchmarks in 2006 and 2007.

Additionally, the government's announcement in June of an additional 3-year, $400 million conservation fund to support distributors' CDM activities, has the potential to greatly enhance conservation savings by electricity consumers across Ontario in moving forward.

"Delivery of CDM programs by electricity distributors is increasing dramatically at a local and provincial level," said Charlie Macaluso, EDA President and Chief Executive Officer. "At a policy level, the EDA have formed a CDM Caucus to represent the electricity distribution industry and coordinate their efforts on conservation and demand management policies. At an operational level, having the proper funding and incentive mechanisms in place will ensure the sustainability of CDM delivered through electricity distributors, and potentially contribute to further upgrading Ontario's designation."