For Immediate Release:
February 24 2006

Barrett reports area energy concerns to Legislature

Queen’s Park— Two weeks after hearing from area residents at Justice Committee hearings in Simcoe, MPP Toby Barrett reported local concerns on Smart Meters and McGuinty energy policy in the Legislature last night.

In joining in the debate of Bill 21, the Energy Conservation Responsibility Act, Barrett underlined concerns over the future of energy supply in Ontario. The Opposition Agriculture Critic began by highlighting farm concerns presented by Frank Sommer of the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture.
 
“He reiterated something that we are hearing right across the province of Ontario, that our farmers, out of necessity now, have to compete globally, and the overriding concern for many of our farmers is access to power, specifically electrical power, at competitive rates,” Barrett stated. “They request and put responsibility on this government to give ‘access to rates comparable to those in neighbouring jurisdictions.’”
Later in his speech, Barrett pointed out concerns with the government coal phase out.
“’The premature commitment to phase out coal generation of electric power is in no small measure responsible for the expected supply shortage.’" Barrett quoted from the committee hearings. “I can tell you, knocking on doors this summer during the heat wave, there were a number of people at home who were expecting a shortage. They knew their electricity was coming across the border.”
Barrett continues to call for further investment into clean-air technology at Nanticoke and other coal fired generators to both ensure future domestic supply and protection of the environment.
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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (519) 428-0446, (416) 325-8404, or 1-800-903-8629