Windy energy sector 'disappointed' by green energy reversal

TorontoSun.com
Sept. 28, 2016
By Shawn Jeffords

Canada’s wind energy sector is “extremely disappointed” by the Liberal government’s move to cancel future large renewable projects.

Robert Hornung, president of the Canadian Wind Energy Association, said the move came as a shock to his members, adding the report the government is basing its decision on understates the need for future supply. We asked Hornung on Wednesday about how the wind sector will deal with the development.

Q: What was your reaction to the Liberal government halting all new renewable energy procurements?

A: “Shock and disappointment. We believe that there is going to be a need for new electricity for going forward. Wind is very well positioned to provide that new electricity based on the fact that it’s cost competitive and also a clean source of electricity generation.”

Q: The government said it looked at the IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator) report and doesn’t believe it needs the supply. It it wrong?

A: “The Ontario Power Outlook, which is the document the IESO produced, actually has several scenarios in it. In some scenarios, there’s not a lot of growth in electricity demand. In other scenarios, there is. What differentiates those scenarios is the assumptions you make … We will certainly be making the argument that there are a lot of strong reasons to be planning around some of the alternative scenarios that do envision growth going forward.”

Q: Will the government face any legal action, specifically from your members, over this decision?

A: “I can’t comment on that. I think the government has suspended a procurement process it initiated. It’s indicated fees companies paid to participate will be reimbursed. There were no contracts signed at this point in time ... When something like this happens, it certainly does increase uncertainty for the industry. When there’s increased uncertainty, industry members obviously have to be looking at other opportunities for investment going forward.”

Q: The government announced Tuesday with some enthusiasm that consumers will essentially be receiving a $2.45 rebate on their bills as a result of the move. What do you think of the way that is being sold to Ontarians?

A: “Well, if Ontario chose not to refurbish its nuclear facilities, bills would go down as well. Clearly, if you’re choosing not to spend, the projected increase will decline.”