TORONTO, Feb. 14 /CNW/ - The organization that represents the interests of Ontario's environmental businesses today called upon the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) to give more consideration to renewable energy, alternative energy technologies and conservation in its plans for the future of the province's energy supply.

The Ontario Environment Industry Association (ONEIA) was responding to a report issued by the OPA on the province's future electricity supply mix. The report stresses the need for large and conventional power generation such as refurbished and new nuclear power plants. ONEIA agrees that these will be an important part of meeting the province's future energy needs, but believes that such an emphasis does not encourage innovation and conservation and misses an opportunity to stimulate business and economic opportunity for Ontario companies.

"While all of the energy options identified by the OPA are vital to providing energy security for Ontario," said Alex Gill, Executive Director of ONEIA, "We believe that by emphasizing traditional means of generation and not sufficiently promoting renewable energy, conservation and alternative energy, we are missing a golden opportunity to make Ontario a world leader in these areas."

ONEIA is looking forward to working with the OPA, the Ministry and other stakeholders in the coming months in an attempt to ensure that the plan for Ontario's energy future considers these issues, Gill added.

ONEIA is a business association that represents the interests of Ontario's burgeoning environment industry sector. With more than 2,400 firms employing more than 60,000 people and responsible for economic activity worth approximately $7-billion, Ontario's environment industry is a vital part of the province's economy. For more information on ONEIA, please visit www.oneia.ca.