MONTREAL | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE KANIEN’KEHÁ:KA FIRST NATION.
The David Suzuki Foundation supports the federal government’s clean electricity regulations and disagrees that costs will necessarily increase for ratepayers as the Ontario government has suggested this morning.
Stephen Thomas, Clean Energy Manager, David Suzuki Foundation, said:
“It’s disappointing to see the Ontario government attack the federal government’s clean electricity regulations.
“It’s time for some provinces to stop looking for ways to delay or weaken climate policies and start joining the work of building solutions that provide energy cost savings, good jobs and better health outcomes for everyone.
“Affordability research and numerous modelling studies, including research by the David Suzuki Foundation, show that consumers will benefit from cheaper overall energy bills as we shift toward clean electricity and away from high-cost fossil fuels.
“In reports to media today, the Ontario government seems to disingenuously omit a number of planned financial supports when attacking the affordability of clean electricity. The federal government estimates Ontario will receive $15 billion in federal clean electricity investment tax credits by 2050. It has also said other financial supports will work to ensure no impacts for Ontario ratepayers.
“The world is rapidly shifting to renewable power, with many jurisdictions already seeing significant cost savings. The federal government needs to finalize and release the clean electricity regulations as soon as possible so Canada doesn’t get left behind. We need all levels of government to work together on solutions.”
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Background:
- David Suzuki Foundation research shows a 100 per cent zero-emissions electricity grid is possible for Canada by 2035: Clean, renewable electricity.
- All G7 countries share the goal of 100 per cent net-zero emissions electricity, supported by the International Energy Agency and the United Nations as necessary for achieving overall net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Affordability modelling released in November 2024 by the Transition Accelerator shows most households will see a decrease in overall energy spending by 2050, even before other financial supports for clean electricity and for low- and middle- income households are considered.
- Affordability modelling released in 2023 by the Canadian Climate Institute shows that households will save an average of 12 per cent on household energy bills as we switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity for household energy uses.
- No matter how Canada produces its electricity, financial supports will be needed for the most vulnerable already challenged by energy poverty and other affordability concerns. These supports exist, and the David Suzuki Foundation joins in the call for these supports to be implemented.
- Last year, consumers in the European Union saved an estimated 100 billion euros in electricity costs by moving to renewables like wind and solar.
- The clean electricity regulations are overwhelmingly popular in Canada, with a June 2023 poll showing 71 per cent support the policy.
- Wind and solar are the cheapest forms of electricity in history, according to the International Energy Agency, and have been since 2020.
For more information or media interviews, please contact:
Melanie Karalis, mkaralis@davidsuzuki.org