Affordable Energy Emerges as Key Issue for Ontario Election

Natural Gas Critical to Province's Economic Prosperity

TORONTO, May 16, 2014 /CNW/ - With Ontarians heading to the polls in a provincial election on June 12, and affordable energy having already emerged as a key issue, the Ontario Natural Gas Alliance is providing a platform for voters to make their voices heard.

The upcoming provincial election signals Ontarians' chance to let elected officials know how important energy—and energy savings—are to their collective pocketbooks, says ONGA spokesperson Stefan Baranski. "Ontarians who don't have access to natural gas need it to lower their residential energy bills. Moreover, our government needs to consider how fuels such as natural gas can lower greenhouse gas emissions while giving operators a distinct competitive advantage," he says. "Natural gas enabled the province's coal phase out and it is time we realized the fuel's full potential to help us build a better Ontario."

To assist voters in communicating their concerns, a new online portal will offer an opportunity to connect directly to those vying for their vote. By visiting www.naturalgasnow.ca, voters can address the issue of affordable energy by sending letters directly to candidates in their local ridings.

According to ONGA, natural gas' clean and affordable attributes can play a pivotal role in three distinct areas:

Natural Gas System Expansion
While the fuel is often taken for granted in urban centres, the majority of rural and northern Ontario families and businesses are without access to natural gas. Due to a lack of infrastructure, less than 20 per cent of rural residents have access to natural gas, and instead must rely on oil, propane or electric heat for homes and businesses—all of which come at a significantly higher cost. "Not having the option for natural gas is a significant economic disadvantage for these communities," says Baranski. "Government support is critical if we are going to be able to expand the system to include these communities and would result in immediate and significant savings on their energy bills."

Baranski adds that savings for businesses are even greater. Some medium sized commercial businesses would be able to save up to $15,000 per year by using natural gas.

Natural Gas for Transportation
The transition to natural gas vehicles could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, positively impacting Ontario's environment. According to Ontario's Long-Term Energy Plan, the transportation sector accounts for the largest percentage of emissions in Ontario. Natural gas, meanwhile, provides a significant carbon advantage, with a 20-25 per cent lower rate of GHG emissions compared to traditional transportation fuels.

Furthermore, with natural gas being up to 44 per cent less expensive than gasoline, and 45 per cent less expensive than diesel, the decreased costs would give operators a tremendous competitive advantage. "Integrating natural gas applications into Ontario's transportation network will result in huge wins for Ontario, both economically and environmentally," Baranski says. 

Ontario's Economic Opportunity
Natural gas-intensive companies in a range of industries including petrochemicals, mining, steel, and fertilizer production are seeking places to expand their existing production or create new operations and jobs. With natural gas prices up to three times more affordable, North America is a key area in their expansion search. An energy platform that includes natural gas gives industry all the more reason to establish and expand in Ontario. For places such as Ontario's north, home to the Ring of Fire mining area, natural gas-fired electricity generation offers operators a scalable, rapidly deliverable way to meet their energy needs, without the requirement for new transmission capacity.

"Ontario requires bold action with respect to its energy policy," says Baranski. "And Ontarians understand just how important this issue is to create competitive advantage. It is time for all Ontarians to fully benefit from clean and affordable natural gas so we can build a better future for our province."

About ONGA
The Ontario Natural Gas Alliance (ONGA) is a partnership between two of Ontario's leading natural gas distribution companies, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Union Gas. ONGA was created to help the public understand the vital role natural gas can play in Ontario's future-forward clean energy mix. ONGA is dedicated to education around the many positive attributes of natural gas, including its affordability, cleanliness and potential to fuel an economic revitalization that will create jobs and expand Ontario's economy.  For more information, please visit: www.cleanandaffordable.ca.

SOURCE: Ontario Natural Gas Alliance

or to schedule an interview, please contact: PM Rendon, DDB Public Relations, (direct) 416-972-7784, (cell) 416-301-2391, [email protected]