LTEP's re-commitment to Pickering 2024 good news for Ontario
TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - The Ontario government's decision to re-commit to the continued operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (NGS) and the refurbishments of Bruce and Darlington stations in the 2017 Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) is good news for the province, says The Society of Energy Professionals (SEP).
The SEP welcomes the LTEP's clear commitment to the continued operation of Pickering NGS until 2024. Pickering plays a critical role in providing Ontarians with low-cost energy while helping to meet Ontario's emission targets and keeping the lights on through the Bruce and Darlington station refurbishments.
"Continued operation of Pickering NGS supports good jobs, emission-free energy, and Ontario's economy," says SEP President Scott Travers, who is a professional engineer and MBA with three decades of experience in Ontario's energy sector. "I'm glad to see that the government listened to the experts and made an evidence-based decision on this important issue."
"There were a lot of jobs on the line with this decision," said Society OPG Local Vice-President Joe Fierro. "Pickering supports 4,500 workers in the Durham Region and pumps $1.3 billion into the local economy. This was the right decision for everyone."
Additionally, SEP welcomes commitments to enhancements to Ontario's transmission system, including investments in the East-West Tie, a new hydro corridor in the western GTA and various projects in northwestern Ontario.
"These transmission investments are good news," said Travers. "Constraints in the current system limit Ontario's ability to transfer clean power between regions even where capacity exists."
Finally, SEP is also pleased that the LTEP contemplates planning for the widespread use of electric vehicles and electrification of rail.
"We are glad to see a realistic forecast of electric vehicle and rail use," said Travers. "But significant policy work is still to be done and significant investment is still to be made to ensure our local distribution systems are ready to harness the potential of clean technologies."
President Scott Travers is available for comment.
The Society of Energy Professionals represents 8,000 professionals in the public, private and regulatory sectors, including engineers, lawyers and accountants.
SOURCE The Society of Energy Professionals
Adam Chaleff, (647) 500-2394
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