Conservation program cuts will mean less value for electricity customers: EDA

TORONTO, March 21, 2019 /CNW/ - The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) expressed disappointment today regarding the Government of Ontario's decision to cut conservation programs and to pull program delivery away from local electricity distribution companies (LDCs) in favour of a centralized delivery model.

"LDCs have made a vital contribution to delivering savings to all customers across Ontario, including families, small businesses, farmers, medium and large businesses," said Teresa Sarkesian, President and CEO of the EDA. "The unfortunate elimination of programs and incentives dismisses the proven success LDCs have had in delivering conservation in Ontario communities."

The results speak for themselves. According to the province's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the body that manages Ontario's power grid, local hydro utilities have saved over 5.8 billion kWh, enough to power more than 640,000 homes for a full year.

Moreover, Ontario LDCs have achieved these results at the lowest cost on record, well below previous centrally delivered programs and well below any other neighbouring jurisdiction. These costs also yield exceptional value for Ontarians—value which could now be lost.

Through months of targeted advocacy, the EDA has advised the government that conservation programming is delivered most effectively and cost-efficiently at the local level because LDCs better understand the needs of all customers in their communities.

"LDCs have built relationships of trust with the people they serve, and customers have high satisfaction with LDC-led programs to reduce energy waste and lower their bills," said Brian Wilkie, CEO of Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. and Chair of the EDA. "Our customers will now lose their opportunity to work closely with a local provider that understands their requirements."

Locally led conservation programs deliver proven results for Ontarians:

• Every $1 spent on locally led conservation programs to reduce energy waste yields $3 in savings.
• Local programs to reduce energy waste grow Ontario's economy by $750 million annually.
• More than 65,000 business customers across Ontario participated in reducing energy waste though LDC programs.
• Conservation programs to reduce energy waste have created 5,000 jobs across the province.

About the EDA
The EDA is a trusted and vital source for advocacy, insights and information for Ontario's local hydro utilities, the municipally and privately-owned companies that deliver safe, reliable electricity services to more five million homes, businesses and public institutions across the province. Learn more at www.eda-on.ca

SOURCE Electricity Distributors Association

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