Generators of small-scale solar energy in Ontario who have seen their investment stagnate because they can’t connect to the grid can now relocate their projects to another location within the province where they can get online, Ontario Minister of Energy Brad Duguid announced last week.
“Due to the popularity of the program, there are still some connection issues, which is why we announced in our 20-year energy plan that we will continue to invest in upgrades to the transmission and distribution systems to ensure continued growth of small clean energy projects,” said Duguid said in an e-mail response to The Epoch Times.
As part of Ontario’s Green Energy Act enacted in 2009, the provincial government provides guaranteed rates to generators of renewable energy through a feed-in-tariff program. This includes small-scale projects, known as the microFIT program, which allows individuals to get paid for any contribution into the grid.
However, many who have invested in renewable projects have not been able to connect to the grid due to infrastructure limitations.
According to the ministry, there are currently 7,000 small-scale green energy projects connected to the grid, and another 4,000 are ready for connection.
“We’re making progress—Hydro One is currently upgrading transmission stations. These upgrades will allow more than 300 projects to safely connect. The Ontario Power Authority and Hydro One have also identified priority stations for upgrades that will allow us to bring clean, renewable energy online,” said Duguid.
Currently, the government is guaranteeing a rate of 80.2 cents/kWh for solar power produced from rooftops. The high rates have created a heated debate between the Liberals and the Progressive Conservative Party.
Tim Hudak of the PC Party contends that the rates are “unsustainable” and said he will end key provisions of the Green Energy Act if he is elected in the upcoming fall campaign.
“Due to the popularity of the program, there are still some connection issues, which is why we announced in our 20-year energy plan that we will continue to invest in upgrades to the transmission and distribution systems to ensure continued growth of small clean energy projects,” said Duguid said in an e-mail response to The Epoch Times.
As part of Ontario’s Green Energy Act enacted in 2009, the provincial government provides guaranteed rates to generators of renewable energy through a feed-in-tariff program. This includes small-scale projects, known as the microFIT program, which allows individuals to get paid for any contribution into the grid.
However, many who have invested in renewable projects have not been able to connect to the grid due to infrastructure limitations.
According to the ministry, there are currently 7,000 small-scale green energy projects connected to the grid, and another 4,000 are ready for connection.
“We’re making progress—Hydro One is currently upgrading transmission stations. These upgrades will allow more than 300 projects to safely connect. The Ontario Power Authority and Hydro One have also identified priority stations for upgrades that will allow us to bring clean, renewable energy online,” said Duguid.
Currently, the government is guaranteeing a rate of 80.2 cents/kWh for solar power produced from rooftops. The high rates have created a heated debate between the Liberals and the Progressive Conservative Party.
Tim Hudak of the PC Party contends that the rates are “unsustainable” and said he will end key provisions of the Green Energy Act if he is elected in the upcoming fall campaign.
