Website Launched to Create Renewable Energy Technology Supplier Vendor List

School boards and social housing providers will use vendor list to install $120 million of renewable energy projects

TORONTO, March 1 /CNW/ - Companies that supply and install renewable energy technologies can now apply to offer their goods and services to Ontario school boards and social housing providers.

The Ontario Power Authority announced today the launch of a website where service providers and suppliers of five renewable energy technologies (solar air, solar water, geothermal, solar photovoltaic and small wind) can apply to be included on a vendor list. The website is available at http://retvendorlist.powerauthority.on.ca/. The deadline to apply to be included on a vendor list is March 26, 2010.

Website applications will be used to create a list of vendors of renewable energy technologies that have met certain eligibility criteria. This list, expected to be available in April, will be used by school boards and social housing providers to invest $120 million to reduce energy costs in schools and social housing by installing renewable energy technologies for heating, cooling or generating electricity. School boards will have access to $50 million through the Ministry of Education, and $70 million is for social housing providers to access through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

This initiative is in support of the policy intent of the Green Energy Act by boosting investment in renewable energy projects through the creation of job opportunities in Ontario.

"Enabling renewable energy is a win-win for schools, social housing and all the people of Ontario," said Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. "This initiative demonstrates the government's vision in both the Green Energy Act and its efforts to stimulate our economy through improving infrastructure. It will help build a solid customer base for renewable energy technology suppliers, give schools and social housing efficient, even attractive, energy options, and provide clean, renewable energy to the people of Ontario."

"Investing in more energy-efficient schools promotes better, greener learning environments and helps teach our students the importance of energy conservation," said Leona Dombrowksy, Minister of Education. "It also helps school boards reduce energy bills and supports jobs in Ontario's new green economy."

"People living in social housing will soon benefit from greater energy efficiency and lower energy costs," said Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "The McGuinty government is helping to create green-economy jobs and protect the environment."

"We are pleased to support the development of renewable energy projects for Ontario schools and social housing through this initiative," said Colin Andersen, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Power Authority. "We encourage all eligible renewable energy suppliers to apply on the website."

This application website is being undertaken by the Ontario Power Authority through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. In September 2009, the Ministry released a Request for Information that received more than 100 submissions, indicating strong interest from the renewable energy technology vendor community.

The Ontario Power Authority is responsible for ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply of electricity for Ontario. Its four key areas of focus are: planning the power system for the long term, leading and co-ordinating conservation initiatives across the province, ensuring development of needed generation resources, and supporting the continued evolution of the electricity sector.

For further information: Media Contact: Tim Butters, Ontario Power Authority: [phone], Toll Free: 1-800-797-9604