THUNDER BAY – Are you ready to shift your work day? Ontario is proposing to help the province’s largest industrial companies and manufacturers conserve energy in a way that will have little to no impact on electricity bills for Ontario families.
The measure however may have an impact on when people work, and prices for many goods.
The province’s largest energy users will be given the opportunity to save on costs and increase their competitiveness by changing their energy consumption to “off-peak” times when there is less strain on the system. These changes will provide short and long term benefits to all electricity users by:
- Helping reduce emissions and clean the air
- Improving the reliability of the power grid
This proposed price change would take effect Jan. 1, 2011 and be available to about 200 of Ontario’s largest electricity users. It will provide the most benefit to those companies that shift their consumption away from peak demand periods.
The McGuinty Government has not offered commentary on how jobs for the workers for the 200 largest companies may be impacted.
“We’ve invested in a reliable electricity system that families and businesses can count on. We’ve put a heavy emphasis on renewable energy, which is better for our health, our environment and our economy. Now we’re adjusting prices in a responsible way to help our manufacturing sector – in a way that does not negatively impact Ontario families,” states Brad Duguid, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
“This important change will help Ontario stay competitive and protect jobs. Many of Ontario’s largest manufactures and largest energy users will be given the opportunity to shift their behaviour to off-peak times, which will help them save on costs and grow their businesses. This is good news for all Ontarians,” says Ian Howcroft, the Vice President, CME Ontario.
“This important change will help Ontario stay competitive and protect jobs. Many of Ontario’s largest manufactures and largest energy users will be given the opportunity to shift their behaviour to off-peak times, which will help them save on costs and grow their businesses. This is good news for all Ontarians,” adds Paul Murphy IESO President and CEO.
There are yet to be comments from workers groups or unions on the prospects of having work shift to the off-peak periods.