The Chief Energy Conservation Officer's 2006 Annual Report shows Ontario has reduced electricity consumption by 2.5% over 2005, even when weather is factored in. Some highlights, below:

- Ontario gets a B+ from Ontario's - August 1st heat alert - demand Canadian Energy Efficiency management programs reduce Alliance, up from C- in 2004 peak by 183 MW - 950 MW reduction in peak - Building Code amendments will demand since 2004 save 550 MW over the next 8 years

- Local electricity company - Investment in conservation programs: 121 million kWh saved in activities by all stakeholders: 2005, 868 million kilowatt hours $300 million to $350 million over the life of equipment per year

TORONTO, Nov. 8 /CNW/ - Ontario's Chief Energy Conservation Officer, Peter Love, told an Empire Club audience of business, government, and environmental leaders today that electricity consumers in the province are starting to get the message.

In his first full-year Annual Report on the state of Ontario's conservation efforts, also released today, Love says, Ontarians used 2.5 percent less electricity in 2006 over the same period in 2005, even after weather factors such as marginally cooler summer are factored into the calculations.

The report, titled Ontario: A New Era In Electricity Conservation, states that Ontario has reduced its peak demand by about 950 megawatts since 2004.

"For decades, the people of Ontario had no particular reason to worry about conservation," says Love. "But we have begun to realize that conserving electricity is cheaper in the short-term and more sustainable over time."

Ontario's first Chief Energy Conservation Officer believes the province will achieve the challenging target of 6,300 megawatts of peak electricity savings by 2025. "From our experiences with the market thus far, I'd say we are on track to meet that goal."

Love points out that a large part of our work to date has been building the capacity in the electricity sector to create and deliver conservation programs. He uses the example of the Bureau's successful refrigerator retirement program from this past summer. Not only did the six-community pilot exceed its very aggressive target of removing over 5,000 inefficient units, it spawned a new industry. He said, "For the first time, units were fully recycled instead of ending up in the landfill - by two new Ontario companies."

Love's Annual Report warns that some barriers to energy efficiency remain. He uses the example that there is no consistent method of measuring conservation program results among the many participants in the market: "We've been working closely with the Ministry of Energy, local electricity companies, environmental groups, and the private sector to share information, build programs, and measure results."

Also, Love emphasizes that mandatory energy efficiency standards in building codes and regulations are required to stimulate and promote the transformation of the market into a true culture of conservation. He said, "I hope the least-efficient products can be eliminated through regulatory changes - that will translate into lower energy bills for consumers and businesses."

"Our success is not only measured in what we have accomplished," Love concludes. "It is also measured in what we have learned. In the last 18 months, we learned that electricity consumers are anxious to work with us to conserve electricity and lower their electricity bills. Our partners, in particular manufacturers and retailers, are beginning to see the value proposition for energy-efficient products."

The Chief Energy Conservation Officer's 2006 Annual Report is available at www.conservationbureau.on.ca or by contacting the Ontario Power Authority.

About The Conservation Bureau

The Conservation Bureau is an office of the Ontario Power Authority. It was established in 2005 to develop, coordinate and stimulate electricity conservation and demand management by planning, designing, and implementing comprehensive programs that foster a culture of conservation across the province. For more information go to www.conservationbureau.on.ca.