OWA Supporting Small Waterpower Expansion

New Web Based Portal Launched

PETERBOROUGH, ON, June 29, 2015 /CNW/ - The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) has developed a new Feed-in Tariff 4.0 Web Portal and has expanded its Roster of Subject Matter Experts to support those interested in participating in the Independent Electricity System Operator's (IESO) Feed-in Tariff 4.0 program. The Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program was developed to encourage and promote greater use of renewable energy sources, including waterpower, for electricity generating projects and provides specific incentives for community and Aboriginal participation.

"Waterpower has been embedded in communities across Ontario for decades," said Paul Norris, President of the OWA. "There is significant untapped small waterpower potential, particularly at existing infrastructure. This portal has been tailored to support proponents of those projects."

The Feed-in Tariff 4.0 Web Portal has been developed for use by any company, organization or community who may be interested in developing a small scale waterpower project. Additionally, OWA has created a Roster of Subject Matter Experts to assist project proponents.

"OWA member companies are industry leading product and service providers specializing in small hydro," added Norris. "Taking this approach connects proponents with subject matter experts to develop project-specific strategies."

The FIT Program is open to projects with a rated electricity generating capacity greater than 10 kilowatts (kW) and generally up to 500 kW. The fundamental objective of the FIT Program, in conjunction with the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009 (Ontario) and Ontario's Long Term Energy Plan, 2010, is to facilitate the increased development of renewable generating facilities of varying sizes, technologies and configurations via a standardized, open and fair process.

If you are interested in pursuing a small scale community waterpower project, please contact the OWA [email protected] or call 1-866-743-1500.

For more information on the Ontario Waterpower Association, visit: www.owa.ca.

SOURCE Ontario Waterpower Association

Stephanie Landers, Communications and Public Outreach Coordinator, Ontario Waterpower Association, 866-743-1500 ext. 25, [email protected]