Conservation for Public Agencies
Ontario is giving public agencies the tools they need to manage energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation is Ontario’s most environmentally friendly and cost effective resource. It’s also a key part of our plan to build a clean, modern, reliable energy system.
A new regulation under the Green Energy Act will require public agencies to:
- Report annually on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions beginning July 1, 2013 and post that information online
- Develop five-year energy conservation plans starting July 1, 2014, and post those plans online
Who is impacted by this?
This regulation impacts public agencies, including municipalities, municipal service boards, universities, colleges, school boards and hospitals.
What are the benefits?
Energy conservation plans will help the public agencies manage their electricity use and costs, better maintain their facilities, and help reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
These plans will also help understand how energy is used by public agencies, and which energy-saving measures are most cost-effective and easiest to implement.
Conservation is an important part of the government’s plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a clean, reliable modern electricity system. The least expensive type of energy is the energy we don’t use.
What is an energy conservation plan?
An energy conservation plan captures information like annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, goals and strategies to reduce energy consumption, and a description of any renewable energy projects in operation.
How will public agencies report on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions?
The Ministry of Energy is developing a template that public agencies can use to report on their annual energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. When complete, the template will be posted on this webpage. Public agencies should familiarize themselves with the reporting requirements that can be found in the new regulation.
