Calling on cities to protect a clean electricity future
Motion Blur of People Walking in the City
On February 16, the federal government released a discussion paper, proposing several changes to the CER. While some of these would provide helpful flexibility in the regulation, altogether they would represent a significant undermining of the policy. Municipalities have a powerful influence and can support the CER in three ways.
Canada’s proposed Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) are under threat due to mounting pressure from special interest groups and certain provinces. This jeopardizes a robust set of future regulations that are needed to meet local climate and economic goals.
On February 16, 2024, the federal government released a discussion paper, suggesting several changes to the proposed CER. While some of these changes would provide helpful flexibility in the regulation, all together they would represent a significant undermining of the future policy, with damaging impacts for municipalities.
Electricity emissions increased 26% in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area last year due to more natural gas on the grid, and emissions are forecast to continue growing exponentially. We need a strong CER because our region can’t afford to lose our clean grid advantage.
The CER as initially proposed, will reward municipalities and workers who want to find jobs building and operating clean energy projects, not to mention the new investment and jobs spurred by companies attracted by Ontario’s clean grid. Renewable energy is now cheaper than natural gas. By defending the original intent of the CER, we’re safeguarding the climate and ensuring long-term economic responsibility and resilience of our communities.
To counter growing obstruction from its opponents, municipalities and community stakeholders showing unwavering support for holding the line on the CER would be a powerful signal to the federal government. Communities across Ontario came together to support natural gas phaseout resolutions, and endorsing a strong CER is crucial to upholding that commitment.
Calling on mayors, councillors, and local stakeholders to show support for a strong CER
You can support this critical climate policy in three ways:
- Send official comments before March 15, 2024 here.
- Advocate for strong Clean Electricity Regulations by sending a letter of support to Minister Steven Guilbeault.
- Show council support by passing a resolution officially endorsing the Clean Electricity Regulations.
Read TAF’s official comments on the updated regulatory design options here.
Please consider our policy team a resource to help with any of the above. Get in touch for more information.
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TAF needs to be more practical in its outlook. The IESO noted that the “CER as drafted is unachievable in Ontario by 2035 without putting at risk the reliability of the electricity system, electrification of the broader economy and economic growth. Further, the CER could also jeopardize Ontario’s ability to meet the electricity needs associated with the province’s expected significant population growth.” The revised version of the CER is as TAF notes, an improvement, but still off the mark and lacking in important details.
Most expert organizations and observers agree with this. The fact is that we will have to accept some increase in emissions while we build out the zero emissions load following resources (ZEFLRs) our system will need to reach our objectives, and to operate reliably and affordably. This is a large and complex process. It will take quite a number of years to accomplish. TAF ought to acknowledge this fact instead of pushing forward with policies that are impractical and unaffordable.
Hi Dave, I appreciate the comment. To be clear, we’re talking about the entire suite of proposed amendments and the potential impact that would have on the regulation. At this time we don’t know what ECCC is moving ahead with, and what they won’t be and we’ll be posting our full comments soon. We do agree with you that there are lots of details we would need to see in the proposed changes that aren’t in the consultation page that need to be reviewed and accounted for. In the mean time we’re hoping for municipalities and organizations to make their voices heard in having a robust CER that sends clear market signals for where we need to go. We’re more than happy to discuss our comments on the proposed changes if you’d like to reach out and have a conversation when they are finalized and posted.