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(Ottawa) – The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauds the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) in its filing of the Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP) with the Ontario Energy Board today. The IPSP provides a roadmap for the province’s power and infrastructure needs over the next 20 years.

“The plan is visionary in its long-term, integrated look at the power system as a whole. We are encouraged that this has moved forward and that the OPA has recognized the growing and important role that wind energy will play in Ontario’s future supply mix,” said Robert Hornung, CanWEA President. “From our research we know that a significant majority of Ontario’s citizens believe that wind power is leading Ontario to a clean energy future. This announcement should be well received by all those wanting to stimulate new economic development in rural communities while supporting a healthier environment and a solution to climate change.”

Ontario’s current installed wind energy capacity sits at just over 415 MW, with an additional 1200 MW under contract. By 2020 the IPSP calls for an additional 3000 MW of wind energy. The plan not only identifies potential supply resources but links these with the transmission infrastructure enhancements needed to bring this power to market.’ While the IPSP offers plans for transmission reinforcement and upgrades in critical areas, some of these upgrades are not scheduled in the near-term and without creative, near-term solutions the development of new wind energy facilities in the province will be delayed.

“Further action is required to address the near-term transmission constraints currently faced by many wind power projects in the province, particularly in the “orange zone” where a freeze has been placed on wind energy development,” Mr. Hornung said. “We have been working with all stakeholders to design workable solutions to these issues and quick action is required on implementation if Ontario is to remain an attractive destination for investment in wind energy in the short-term.”

Wind energy produces no air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to its environmental benefits, wind energy delivers substantial economic benefits to rural communities through investment and job creation, lease income for landowners, and a new tax base for municipal governments and school boards.

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) represents more than 300 companies involved in Canada’s wind energy industry, including wind turbine manufacturers, component suppliers, wind energy project developers and owners, and a broad range of service providers to the wind industry.

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For more information: David Timm, CanWEA Ontario Policy Manager, at 1-800-922-6932 ext. 225 or 1-647-519-8466
www.canwea.ca