Ontario's Tough New Energy Efficiency Standards Help Protect The Environment And Save Consumers Money

Ontario's Tough New Energy Efficiency Standards Help Protect The Environment And Save Consumers Money

March 26 (News Release)

A regulation setting tough new energy efficiency standards for nine products will increase energy conservation, help protect the environment and result in savings for consumers, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan announced today.

"This regulation is good news for consumers and good news for a healthier environment," said Duncan. "Efficient energy use saves consumers money and helps keep our air clean by reducing our reliance on coal-fired electricity and other energy sources that generate greenhouse gases."

The regulation, filed under Ontario's Energy Efficiency Act, will set high standards for two new products — thermostats used with individual-room electric space-heaters, and industrial and commercial gas-fired package furnaces with inputs above 400,000 BTU per hour. It will also set tougher standards for another seven products already covered by the act. The compliance date for the two new products is January 1, 2005, and it is estimated that the regulation will provide more than $2 million in savings to residential and commercial energy users in the first year.

"Since the Energy Efficiency Act was passed in 1988, it has resulted in estimated savings equivalent to a year's worth of power for the cities of London and Windsor combined," said Duncan.

Passed in 1988 under the Peterson government, Ontario's Energy Efficiency Act was the first legislation of its kind in Canada. It gives the Province authority to set minimum efficiency standards and compliance dates for residential, commercial and industrial electrical products sold or leased in Ontario. The act currently covers 54 products, with estimated energy cost savings of nearly $300 million since 1988.

"This act, and its subsequent regulations, is a testament to the commitment of Liberal governments past and present to conservation and energy efficiency," noted Duncan.

The seven other products already covered include power transformers; incandescent reflector lamps; gas-fired automatic storage-type water heaters; household dishwashers; dusk-to-dawn luminaries; packaged chillers for commercial buildings; and household electric ranges.

The McGuinty government is committed to protecting the interests of Ontarians by making positive changes to Ontario's electricity sector. These changes are aimed at creating a conservation culture and a cleaner Ontario, while ensuring a reliable, sustainable and diverse supply of competitively priced power for the province.