Meeting of Energy Ministers - Québec and Ontario: Collaboration at its best

QUÉBEC CITY, April 14, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Québec's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Plan Nord, Pierre Arcand, and Ontario's Minister of Energy, Bob Chiarelli, met earlier today to continue their discussions with a view to signing an Electricity Trade Agreement.

After the meeting, the Ministers agreed to implement the Memorandum of Understanding regarding potential opportunities for medium-term electricity trade, and to ask their respective agencies, namely Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and Hydro-Québec, to explore areas in which greater collaboration would be possible (e.g. electricity supply reliability improvement services).

Signature of a Power Sharing Agreement

Québec and Ontario finalized a Power Sharing Agreement on May 8, 2015. Under the terms of the Agreement, which will be in effect from December 1, 2015 to September 30, 2025, the two provinces will exchange up to 500 MW of power to help cover their respective seasonal consumption peaks and hence reduce the need for additional electricity. The Agreement followed on from a meeting of the Québec and Ontario cabinets, held in Toronto on November 21, 2014.

Quotes

"Québec has positioned itself as a trustworthy partner in the field of renewable energy. It can offer an effective solution to help achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction targets during refurbishment of the Bruce and Darlington nuclear power stations. This collaborative initiative is entirely consistent with the 2030 Energy Policy, since our Government hopes to increase its exports to neighbouring provinces."

- Pierre Arcand – Quebec Minister of Energy and Natural Ressources

"Our multifaceted discussions and ongoing collaboration with the government of Quebec remain positive and beneficial to Ontario electricity consumers. It was a pleasure to discuss a wide range of our shared priorities, including action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and interprovincial energy trade."

- Bob Chiarelli – Ontario Energy Minister

Source:

Véronique Normandin Press Officer Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Plan Nord 418 643-7295   Dan Moulton Office of the Minister of Energy Government of Ontario 416 327-3551

 

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles

Véronique Normandin, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Plan Nord, 418 643-7295; Dan Moulton, Office of the Minister of Energy, Government of Ontario, 416 327-3551