Energy professionals: OPG remains lowest cost energy generator

TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - The Society of Energy Professionals responded to today's Auditor General of Ontario annual report by reminding Ontario ratepayers that Ontario Power Generation is still the lowest cost energy generator in Ontario.

"It is important that Ontarians not lose sight of the fact that OPG is the lowest cost energy generator in Ontario," said Scott Travers, president of The Society of Energy Professionals, which represents more than 3,400 OPG employees. "While we are always open to improving the effectiveness of Ontario Power Generation, without a doubt, Ontario ratepayers are getting value for their money from OPG."

This claim is backed up by data as recent as November 2013. The numbers show that OPG was paid 43% less than the average of all other power generators in Ontario for the power it produced. The OPG price was 5.7 cents per kilowatt hour (KWh) whereas the average of all other power generators in the province was 10 cents/KWh.

"The Society believes we can play a significant role in helping OPG to provide even greater value for money," Travers continued. "To that end, we will study the findings and recommendations of the Auditor General and work with OPG and the government to address them. At the same time we will safeguard the rights of the professionals we represent."

Transparency and accountability are key features of a publicly-owned entity like OPG.

"As the only public power generator in Ontario, OPG has the benefit of the Auditor General's oversight," noted Joe Fierro, Local Vice President of The Society of Energy Professionals' OPG bargaining unit. "This makes OPG a transparent and accountable generator. Today's report proves that."

"More importantly, it is the only generator whose rates are determined in a public, transparent process with full ratepayer participation."

The Society of Energy Professionals represents 8,000 knowledge workers and supervisors employed by 13 employers that are responsible for the generation, transmission and regulation of energy in Ontario in both the broader public and private sectors.

SOURCE: The Society of Energy Professionals

Scott Travers, President, Society of Energy Professionals: [phone], [email protected]

Adam Chaleff-Freudenthaler, Communications Officer, Society of Energy Professionals: [phone], [email protected]