Political Party Positions on Waterpower

The Ontario Waterpower Association has submitted the following questions to each of Ontario's political parties regarding their position on the key issues facing the waterpower industry today, below please find a copy of the questions and party responses.

(Note: Responses are listed in alphabetical order)

Green Party of Ontario Response

Question 1: Waterpower contributes a number of unique attributes to Ontario’s diverse electricity supply mix. It provides base load and peaking generation. It provides system security and led the provincial grid re-start following the 2003 blackout. Assets last virtually forever keeping electricity prices lower than they would otherwise be. Waterpower Generators contribute resource royalties of $150 Million annually to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Does your party support waterpower as a first priority choice for meeting electricity supply needs? If not, what source do you prefer and why? 

Green Party of Ontario Answer 1: Ontario will require new generation capacity that provides a reliable source of stable base load and peaking power. Since hydro-electricity is a clean, reliable and less expensive alternative to new nuclear power, the Green Party would prioritize investments in water power over new nuclear generation.

The Green Party of Ontario is committed to increasing hydropower in Ontario, especially micro-hydro, and to negotiating agreements with neighbouring provinces to import inexpensive hydro-generated electricity. New hydropower sites must be chosen only after a full environmental assessment and with the participation and influence of local communities, especially First Nations.

The Green Party’s energy plan emphasizes efficiency and conservation as the most cost effective and financially responsible approach to meeting our energy needs. Reducing consumption, eliminating waste and using what we have more effectively will deliver long-term sustainable savings, create jobs and help our businesses increase their productivity, operate more efficiently and be more competitive in the twenty-first century economy.

Question 2: Ontario’s existing two hundred (200) waterpower facilities have an installed capacity of over 8,000 MW and account for approximately one-quarter of the province’s electricity generation. The OWA has identified an additional 5,000 MW of potential that could be economically developed compared to other new power supply choices. Does your party support the maximization of “Made in Ontario” waterpower as a key component of electricity policy? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not? 

Green Party of Ontario Answer 2: Yes. The Green Party’s energy plan calls for increased water power generation in Ontario.  We support developing Ontario’s 5,000 MW of affordable water power instead of investing in expensive new nuclear. 

Local ownership of electricity supply is a key plank of our energy policy. The Green Party supports water power developments that are locally owned, require local decision making with financial benefits for host communities.  We believe it is essential for water power projects to meet a full environmental assessment and be developed in partnership with local communities, especially with First Nations.

It’s time for an energy plan that benefits our communities and strengthens local economies.

Question 3: With the increased integration of solar and wind generation, the reliability of Ontario’s electricity system will put increasing emphasis on “flexible generation”, including storage-based waterpower. The OWA has identified significant potential for expanding flexible generation, including the development of new pumped-storage facilities. Does your party support the optimization of flexible waterpower and the development of new pumped storage facilities? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

Green Party of Ontario Answer 3:   The Green Party’s long-term energy plan envisions an increasing role for renewable sources of electricity.  The ability to store electricity is essential to the efficient and effective use of intermittent sources of renewable generation such as wind and solar.  The Green Party supports the development of “flexible generation,” including storage-based waterpower.

Pumped storage is an excellent method of effectively utilizing power from onshore wind farms, and for reducing the need for additional base-load and backup generation. For example, siting new wind installations near existing suitable hydro sites maximizes the efficiency of wind power and takes advantage of existing transmission infrastructure.

The Green Party’s long-term energy plans moves Ontario away from big, centralized, expensive, and inflexible sources of generation such as nuclear. Transitioning to a decentralized system provides the flexibility to incorporate emerging technologies and to balance supply and demand more efficiently. 

Question 4: Significant untapped waterpower potential exists in northern Ontario, the realization of which will be dependent on the reinforcement and extension of the province’s transmission infrastructure. Does your party support placing a priority on transmission investments that enable additional waterpower development? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not? 

Green Party of Ontario Answer 4: The Green Party supports new infrastructure investments in the province’s grid to support the development of waterpower in Northern Ontario.  Our community-based approach to energy projects will ensure that waterpower developments in the North require local decision making, local ownership and financial benefits for Northern communities.

The Green Party believes that new infrastructure investments should support a smart grid to improve reliability, efficiency, and quality. A focus on distributed generation delivered by a smart grid minimizes the need for new transmission lines, reduces severe line losses, and has the added bonus of requiring less maintenance.

Green MPPs will support innovation and investment to make Ontario a leader with a new Smart Grid, allowing efficient and affordable use of renewable sources of generation.

Question 5: Waterpower development is premised on access to Crown land, which has been “closed to development applications” since September 2009 – a key reason why waterpower has been significantly under-represented in renewable energy procurement to date. Does your party support open and ongoing access to Crown land for waterpower investment? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

Green Party of Ontario Answer 5: The Green Party supports the use of Crown land for locally owned, community-based waterpower projects.  We support a policy framework that provides public benefit, community power projects with the right of first refusal for renewable energy resources on Crown land.   We do not support the privatization of Crown resources.  The Green Party is not opposed to innovative public/community private partnerships for renewable energy projects.

The Green Party believes that waterpower developments on Crown lands require a rigorous Environmental Assessment and should be done in ways that protect Ontario’s biodiversity and unspoiled habitats. Provincial parks and otherwise ecologically sensitive land should be protected, with consideration of low impact opportunities considered on a case by case basis.

Question 6: In Ontario’s Far North, First Nations communities and companies are actively attempting to move forward with new waterpower development projects in proximity to and beyond the Ring of Fire. Does your party support expediting these First Nations-led investments? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

Green Party of Ontario Answer 6: Green MPPs would actively support expediting renewable energy initiatives led by First Nations communities.   

All Ontarians should have the option to become renewable energy producers, earning income by generating clean, green power for the grid. The Green Party will promote a FIT program that prioritizes grid access for locally owned and community-based energy projects.

The Green Party supports the Aboriginal loan guarantee program for renewable energy projects.  We would also establish a loan guarantee program for public benefit, community-based renewable energy projects.

Question 7: New small hydro technologies (e.g. Very Low Head and Kinetic Hydro) are approaching commercialization in Ontario, but face significant and disproportionate regulatory barriers. Does your party support a more rational and relevant regulatory and policy regime to enable these emergent technologies? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

Green Party of Ontario Answer 7: The Green Party supports small hyrdo technologies and developments.  Innovation is the key to Ontario’s energy future. Green MPPs support smart regulations that take the size and scale of an operation into account when designing regulations.  The Green Party is committed to consulting all stakeholders in designing regulations to ensure health, safety and environmental protections that minimizes red tape that would deter appropriate development.

Liberal Party Response

Question 1 - Waterpower contributes a number of unique attributes to Ontario’s diverse electricity supply mix. It provides base load and peaking generation. It provides system security and led the provincial grid re-start following the 2003 blackout. Assets last virtually forever keeping electricity prices lower than they would otherwise be. Waterpower Generators contribute resource royalties of $150 Million annually to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Does your party support waterpower as a first priority choice for meeting electricity supply needs? If not, what source do you prefer and why?

Ontario Liberals believe that hydroelectric power should remain a critical pillar of our province’s growing clean energy supply mix well into the future. It is for this reason that we look forward to adding more hydroelectric capacity to Ontario’s electricity system over the next seven years, more than has been added over the previous 40 years. We are proud of our ongoing projects, such as capacity expansions on the Lower Mattagami River and the Niagara Tunnel. These two projects alone will produce enough clean, renewable hydroelectricity to power over 460,000 homes. We have a number of specific projects in the planning and/or development stage, such as: on the Little Jackfish River, at New Post Creek and at Kenogamissi Falls. Our Long-Term Energy Plan will ensure that waterpower continues to be an essential part of a clean, reliable system over the next 20 years. During that time we will continue to study northern hydro options and support small- to medium-sized generators through the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program. Ontario has been generating power from water for over 100 years and Ontario Liberals believe hydroelectricity will be a central part of our province’s energy supply for many decades to come.

Question 2 - Ontario’s existing two hundred (200) waterpower facilities have an installed capacity of over 8,000 MW and account for approximately one-quarter of the province’s electricity generation. The OWA has identified an additional 5,000 MW of potential that could be economically developed compared to other new power supply choices. Does your party support the maximization of “Made in Ontario” waterpower as a key component of electricity policy? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

As previously stated, we believe that hydroelectric power should remain a critical pillar of our province’s growing clean energy supply mix well into the future. It is for this reason that we look forward to adding more hydroelectric capacity to Ontario’s electricity system over the next seven years, more than has been added over the previous 40 years. Our Long-Term Energy Plan will ensure that waterpower continues to be an essential part of our clean, reliable electricity system over the next 20 years. Through investment in hydroelectric capacity, by 2030 we anticipate a 33 per cent increase in the amount of electricity generated by water as compared to 2010. Looking forward, we will consider all practical waterpower proposals while taking into consideration economic, engineering and environmental factors.

Question 3 - With the increased integration of solar and wind generation, the reliability of Ontario’s electricity system will put increasing emphasis on “flexible generation”, including storage-based waterpower. The OWA has identified significant potential for expanding flexible generation, including the development of new pumped-storage facilities. Does your party support the optimization of flexible waterpower and the development of new pumped storage facilities? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

Ontario Liberals support the development of cost-effective pumped storage facilities as a complement to our growing hydroelectric portfolio. We will continue to work through the Ontario Power Authority to assess potential pumped storage projects going forward.

Question 4 - Significant untapped waterpower potential exists in northern Ontario, the realization of which will be dependent on the reinforcement and extension of the province’s transmission infrastructure. Does your party support placing a priority on transmission investments that enable additional waterpower development? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

Since 2003, Ontario Liberals have invested nearly $8 billion toward upgrading and modernizing Ontario’s neglected transmission and distribution infrastructure. This includes ongoing work to reinforce the power transfer capability between northern and southern Ontario, including an additional 750 megawatts (MW) of clean, northern hydroelectric generation. These investments have greatly improved system reliability, and have allowed us to plan a sustainable electricity system for the future. Our Long- Term Energy Plan outlines two priority transmission projects in northern Ontario — an enhanced East-West tie across the east shore of Lake Superior through a new line, and a new line to Pickle Lake. These projects will significantly improve reliability and enhance capacity for new renewable energy in Ontario’s north. We will continue to explore all possibilities for cost-effective transmission enhancements across the province.

Question 5 - Waterpower development is premised on access to Crown land, which has been “closed to development applications” since September 2009 – a key reason why waterpower has been significantly under-represented in renewable energy procurement to date. Does your party support open and ongoing access to Crown land for waterpower investment? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

We are committed to expanding clean and renewable sources of energy, such as waterpower, in support of our plan to phase out coal-fired generation. As part of this commitment, and in keeping with Ontario’s long-term energy planning, the Ministry of Natural Resources has undertaken a review of its approach to making Crown land available for renewable energy, including waterpower development. On May 20, 2011, the ministry began accepting new waterpower applications for projects one MW or less in size. Ontario Liberals are committed to building a brighter, cleaner future through renewable energy — and we will continue to look at ways to make Crown land available for waterpower opportunities.

Question 6 - In Ontario’s Far North, First Nations communities and companies are actively attempting to move forward with new waterpower development projects in proximity to and beyond the Ring of Fire. Does your party support expediting these First Nations-led investments? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

First Nations engagement will remain a fundamental part of our approach to renewable energy development in northern Ontario. We will, at all times, respect our duty to consult and see that projects can move forward in as efficient and collaborative a manner as possible. We are proud of the respectful, cooperative relationship we have built with First Nations. For instance, the hydroelectric expansion underway on the Lower Mattagami River is the largest waterpower development in the north in four decades. It is being developed as an equity partnership with the Moose Cree First Nation, employing hundreds of members of the community and helping to nurture long-term prosperity. Through the FIT program, we have initiated 19 large-scale clean energy projects involving First Nations ownership or partnership — projects that total 480 MW. We will continue to support this kind of collaboration with First Nations communities across northern Ontario.

Question 7 – New small hydro technologies (e.g. Very Low Head and Kinetic Hydro) are approaching commercialization in Ontario, but face significant and disproportionate regulatory barriers. Does your party support a more rational and relevant regulatory and policy regime to enable these emergent technologies? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

We are always open to new technologies that enhance efficiency, are beneficial to the environment and are cost-effective. As technologies evolve, so too will regulatory frameworks. Our FIT program was designed to grow in this way, and is subject to review every two years. These reviews provide an opportunity to examine ways to strengthen and streamline how we go about bringing more clean energy online in Ontario.

NDP Party Response

Question 1 - Waterpower contributes a number of unique attributes to Ontario’s diverse electricity supply mix. It provides base load and peaking generation. It provides system security and led the provincial grid re-start following the 2003 blackout. Assets last virtually forever keeping electricity prices lower than they would otherwise be. Waterpower Generators contribute resource royalties of $150 Million annually to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Does your party support waterpower as a first priority choice for meeting electricity supply needs? If not, what source do you prefer and why?

Ontario’s NDP supports waterpower as an important source of renewable energy for Ontario. We are also aware that Ontario’s existing waterpower facilities moderate provincial electricity prices.

We understand that waterpower’s durability means future generations will benefit from affordable waterpower, as we do today. A typical waterpower generating facility has a long life cycle of between 75 and 100 years. We also appreciate that the average energy payback ratio (energy required vs. energy produced) is by far the highest among all sources. And relative to other sources, the production of waterpower could be considered a form of energy conservation.

An inventory of waterpower potential in Ontario identified 2,000 sites with basic hydraulic conditions (regularly flowing water and change in elevation) to produce waterpower energy. The NDP sees enormous potential in utilizing this untapped potential.

Question 2 - Ontario’s existing two hundred (200) waterpower facilities have an installed capacity of over 8,000 MW and account for approximately one-quarter of the province’s electricity generation. The OWA has identified an additional 5,000 MW of potential that could be economically developed compared to other new power supply choices. Does your party support the maximization of “Made in Ontario” waterpower as a key component of electricity policy? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

Distance to the transmission grid, the comparative price of other power sources, and the demand for renewable energy are important factors in realizing waterpower potential. Like other natural resources, Ontario’s waterpower resources must be managed and developed to meet present needs and the requirements of future generations. The waterpower potential that remains in Ontario should be treated as an asset that can continue to contribute energy. An NDP government would assess the economic and environmental viability of the identified sites but definitely sees significant opportunity in developing more waterpower in Ontario.

Question 3 - With the increased integration of solar and wind generation, the reliability of Ontario’s electricity system will put increasing emphasis on “flexible generation”, including storage-based waterpower. The OWA has identified significant potential for expanding flexible generation, including the development of new pumped-storage facilities. Does your party support the optimization of flexible waterpower and the development of new pumped storage facilities? If so, how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

The NDP does support the optimization of flexible waterpower and the development of new pumped storage facilities as they are particularly useful in balancing out the grid as we increase the supply of variable power such as wind and solar. We would work with your  industry and other stakeholders such as First Nations and local municipalities to develop these resources.

Question 4 - Significant untapped waterpower potential exists in northern Ontario, the realization of which will be dependent on the reinforcement and extension of the province’s transmission infrastructure. Does your party support placing a priority on transmission investments that enable additional waterpower development? If so, how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

The NDP does place a priority on transmission investments that enable additional waterpower development. As the vast majority of potential waterpower potential exists in the North, we would invest in the Northern grid. Two examples of grid expansion we would support include:

• East-West Tie: Nipigon by Wawa - There is significant interest in renewable generation in the Northwest and the existing transmission system provides limited capability to transfer power from such new sources to load in southern Ontario. This new line would help alleviate this bottleneck issue.  
•  North-South Tie/Barrie by GTA: There is significant renewable generation potential in northern Ontario but there is limited ability to transfer it to high demand centres. The North-South Tie and the Barrie to GTA lines will provide a significant increase in the ability to transfer generation to the large GTA market.

Question 5 - Waterpower development is premised on access to Crown land, which has been “closed to development applications” since September 2009 – a key reason why waterpower has been significantly under-represented in renewable energy procurement to date. Does your party support open and ongoing access to Crown land for waterpower investment? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

The Ontario NDP is aware that potential generators that are proposing to construct a project on Crown land  must apply for access to the land through MNR’s site release process before applying for a FIT contract or initiating MOE’s release assessment process.

We also know that the government is reviewing its waterpower and wind power site release policies and procedures in light of Ontario's Green Energy Act and Renewable Energy Approval regulation. We also know that the window for new renewable energy applications for Crown land closed on September 24, 2009 and will remain closed until the completion of this two-phased review process. The NDP does not understand this delay in reviewing the release policy for waterpower opportunities on Crown land and on assuming government, would release a new policy so that waterpower opportunities can be pursued. 

Question 6 - In Ontario’s Far North, First Nations communities and companies are actively attempting to move forward with new waterpower development projects in proximity to and beyond the Ring of Fire. Does your party support expediting these First Nations-led investments? If so how do you propose to make this happen? If not, why not?

The NDP is aware of various proposals for First Nations-run waterpower generators and grid projects in the Far North and has been in touch with key proponents of these plans. To date, we are very encouraged by these plans and as details are developed, we will examine them with great interest. 

PC Party Response

Changebook is our commitment to these hardworking families, and we greatly appreciate your help in sharing our vision with them. Changebook is the result of tens of thousands of consultations with Ontario families, small businesses and community organizations. All of that input has culminated in changebook, our commitment to Ontario. We are proud to be the first party to bring our plan forward to Ontario families and proud of the positive change it represents. 

Ontario families expect our environment to be safe, clean, and sustainable for future generations. Everything we do affects the environment in some way. This is why a Tim Hudak government will guard the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. 

Changebook puts forward a plan for investing in an affordable clean energy supply mix. An Ontario PC government will focus on technologies that are proven to be effective, efficient, and clean--like natural gas, hydroelectric, and nuclear. Any investments in nuclear technology will, of course, be subject to the most rigorous safety standards in the world. We will have an open and fair process for alternate energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass that demands affordable prices and respects local decisions.

A Tim Hudak government will complete the closure of coal powered plants by 2014. This often-promised goal is behind schedule. We will finish the job Dalton McGuinty could not get done. We will also use the soon-to-be closed coal plants as sites to provide newer and cleaner energy from sources like natural gas or biomass.

You also asked about our plan for the North. Specifically, you asked about the kind of partnership would build with First Nations communities. We will ensure First Nations are full partners in building and benefiting from a strong Northern Economy. We know that the vast economic potential of Northern Ontario demands real, honest and constructive two- way partnerships with Ontario’s First Nations. 

We will change the way the government views the North. A Tim Hudak government will repeal the Far North Act, which turns much of the North into a virtual museum by banning development and killing potential jobs. We won’t cave in to the demands of Southern Ontario environmental groups. Instead, our priority will be creating jobs for every Northern family and creating wealth that stays in the North.

Changebook offers a plan to deliver respect and relief to hardworking families. Please find changebook in its entirety at www.changebook.ca

Change Book (PDF)