Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, has canceled hundreds of renewable-energy contracts across the province.
Ratepayers will benefit from C$790 million ($599 million) in savings thanks to the government’s decision to cancel and wind down 758 renewable energy contracts, including the Wallaceburg Otter Creek Wind Farm project.
“We clearly promised we would cancel these unnecessary and wasteful energy projects as part of our plan to cut hydro rates by 12 percent for families, farmers and small businesses,” said Rickford. “In the past few weeks, we have taken significant steps toward keeping that promise.”
Rickford said all of the canceled projects have not reached project development milestones. Terminating the projects at this early stage will maximize benefits for ratepayers.
John Gorman, president of the Canadian Solar Industries Association, called the government decision to cancel the projects “rash.” Gorman said the move will hurt small investors that have put solar panels on their rooftops or properties. In addition, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said the cancelation means the province is turning its back on the global renewables industry.