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Home My WebLink AboutCRPS-10-057 - Env Comm Rec - Ont Clean Air Alliance - Phase-Out Coal Fired Power PlantsREPORT Report To:Councillor C. Weylie, Chair and Members of the Development and Technical Services Committee Date of Meeting: May 10, 2010 Submitted By: Environmental Committee Prepared By: Colin Goodeve, Committee Administrator (741-2278) Dianna Saunderson, Administrative Clerk (741-2594) Ward(s) Involved: All Date of Report: April 26, 2010 Report No.: CRPS-10-057 Subject: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: ONTARIO CLEAN AIR ALLIANCE - PETITIONING THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO TO PHASE-OUT COAL- FIRED POWER PLANTS RECOMMENDATION: That the Premier of Ontario be urged to direct Ontario Power Generation to put its coal- fired electricity generating plants immediately on standby reserve, only to be operated if absolutely necessary to meet the electricity needs of Ontario. BACKGROUND: On March 24, 2010, staff were contacted by Mr. Jack Gibbons, Ontario Clean Air Alliance, with a request to address the Environmental Committee to outline his organizations concerns regarding the continued operation of Ontario’s coal-fired power plants. According to the materials provided by the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, in 2007 the Government of Ontario issued a legally binding regulation requiring the cessation of coal burning electricity generation at Ontario’s four remaining coal-fired power plants by December 31, 2014. In addition, the Ontario Power Authority has identified a need to retain some coal generation on standby reserve until that time; and, the Independent Electricity System Operator have stated that one or more of the Nanticoke units may need to be operated at minimum output from time-to-time to provide grid stability. The Ontario Clean Air Alliance indicate that Ontario’s coal-free generation capacity already exceeds the Province’s peak day demand by 23%; and under normal conditions, the need for coal-fired electricity is negligible. Therefore, they are requesting the support of municipalities to urge the Premier to immediately place Ontario’s four remaining coal-fired plants on standby reserve. REPORT: At the April 15, 2010 Environmental Committee meeting, Mr. Jack Gibbons, Ontario Clean Air Alliance addressed the Committee requesting support for his organization’s campaign to phase- out the use of coal-fired power generation in Ontario four years ahead of the Premier’s legally ê ó ï binding phase-out date. He advised that the need to produce coal-fired electricity is negligible and no longer profitable, thereby negating the reasons to maintain these plants until the required 2014 phase-out date. He indicated that the Ontario Power Generation currently receives a $412 million subsidy to compensate it for operating at a loss, notwithstanding that the Province’s coal-free electricity generation already exceeds the daily peak demands by 23%. He added that this form of power generation is one of the largest producers of greenhouse gas emission in North America and ceasing its use would equivalent to taking almost seven million cars off the road. Members expressed support for the request of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance to immediately place the province’s electricity coal-fired generation plants on standby reserve, to only be operated to meet the electricity demands of the people of Ontario. Accordingly, the Committee requests that Council endorse the recommendation contained herein. Mr. Jack Gibbons, Ontario Clean Air Alliance, has agreed to attend the May 10, 2010 Development Technical Services Department meeting to respond to questions from the Committee. In addition, a copy of the materials provided by Ontario Clean Air Alliance has been attached as background information. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: N/A ACKNOWLEDGED BY: T. 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