This report outlines a Quick Start energy efficiency strategy for Ontario. Drawing on the experience in the U.S. with successful state level energy efficiency programs, the report outlines three cross cutting initiatives and nine specific programs to be undertaken in Ontario.
The cross cutting initiatives include the improvement of provincial coordination and management, including the establishment of the Conservation Bureau as an independent agency with its own funding mechanism; establishment of a secure funding base for energy-efficiency programs through the base budgets of key provincial ministries; the use of the Bill 100 funding mechanisms for conservation purposes; rate-based incentives to the Province's many local energy distribution companies (LDCs), and building of training resources and infrastructure, such as energy-efficiency training and certification for retrofit and new-building contractors, efficiency program managers and outreach "circuit riders".
The Quick-Start strategy aims at savings in grid-electricity consumption of 23,000 GWh/yr, with an implied reduction in required generating capacity of 4500MW, by 2012.
