QUEEN'S PARK, Jul 13, 2006 -- Canada NewsWire

The McGuinty government is helping ensure Ontario has a safe, clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity by directing the Ontario Power Authority to invest an additional $400 million in energy conservation programs over three years, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan announced today.

"Energy conservation is a central part of our plan for Ontario's energy future, and it's something that all of us can do," said Duncan. "This additional funding will help local distribution companies deliver more and better conservation programs to all Ontarians."

This new funding brings the total available to LDCs for conservation initiatives to more than $550 million, supporting the government's target of 6,300 megawatts of conservation by 2025.

"Ontario's electricity distributors play a critical role in the delivery of conservation and demand management programs," said Charlie Macaluso, president and CEO of the Electricity Distributors Association. "We're proud to announce that, by 2007, our members will have delivered over 500 such programs. The government's renewed financial commitment to expanding these programs is to be commended."

Some of the conservation programs planned or implemented across Ontario include Ottawa Hydro's Fridge Bounty program, Toronto Hydro's peakSAVER program and London Hydro's Chill Out program.

"Toronto Hydro has successfully launched a number of conservation programs in support of the government's challenge to reduce electricity use in the province," said Anthony Haines, Chief Administrative Officer of Toronto Hydro. "Today's announcement provides us with long-term financial support for conservation and demand management initiatives."

The new funding will provide support for a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial programs. These could include, among others:

"Our government is giving Ontarians the tools they need to conserve electricity and save money on their energy bills," said Duncan. "The programs delivered by LDCs are an important part of building a conservation culture in Ontario."

This announcement brings the total province wide investment in conservation to up to $2 billion. Other conservation initiatives include:

In order to provide stable and secure funding to local distribution companies (LDCs), the Ontario government is making an additional $400 million available for conservation programs for a three-year period.

LDCs are a key delivery agent of conservation programs across Ontario because of their close relationship with their customers and their ability to respond to local needs.

In May 2004, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan requested LDCs to develop and deliver conservation programs for their customers and made it possible for the LDCs to fund these programs. The Ontario Energy Board approved $163 million for LDCs to invest in conservation and demand management initiatives over a three-year period ending on September 30, 2007.

Using these funds, LDCs have implemented or planned more than 500 conservation programs across the province. Examples of programs include:

SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of Energy

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