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Enron Mail |
FYI - I think we can make a case that we are still in the running on the
basis of the highlighted portions. __________________ Mr. Speaker: This Legislature passed the Energy Competition Act in 1998 to help meet the province's long-term electricity needs and ensure that Ontarians have a safe, reliable and affordable supply of power. When this government came to office in 1995, we had our work cut out for us. Ontario's electricity sector was failing us. Consumers and businesses had no choice of who supplied them with power. And we went from having one of the lowest prices for electricity to the third highest in Canada. The monopoly we had come to rely on for safe, reliable and competitively-priced electricity was no longer working. It had become out of date, inefficient and too expensive. Something had to be done. That's why I'm proud to stand up in the Legislature today to announce that: The government is confident that conditions necessary to open the electricity market to competition will exist by May 2002. The government is committed to an open market while guaranteeing a safe, affordable and reliable supply. There are some who are fundamentally opposed to opening this market to competition. Our government believes, however, that open, competitive markets are beneficial. They keep costs low, encourage innovation and benefit consumers. There are others who share our desire to open the market, but who would like to see it done even sooner. As government, we bear a responsibility to ensure the opening is done right for all involved. To do this, we are committed to opening the market at the earliest possible date, while ensuring all of the conditions required for a smooth transition to competition are met. And I'm pleased to tell you, Mr. Speaker, that the four principles guiding the government's vision have been, or will be met, by May 2002. First and foremost, protecting consumers and offering more choice. The overall market design and regulatory framework for introducing competition puts customers first. Over the long term, a competitive market will lead to the lowest possible costs and better service for all. Second, creating a strong business climate with a reliable supply of electricity. Ontario already has sufficient supply to meet our current needs. Announcing a firm market opening deadline today provides greater certainty to potential new investors who have already announced 3 billion dollars in new generation projects. Thirdly, we will protect our environment. My colleague, the Minister of the Environment has announced tough new emission caps for the electricity sector. They will be among the toughest in North America, matching the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also today, Minister Witmer is announcing changes to ensure that new electricity projects are reviewed in a clear and consistent manner under the province's environmental assessment process. And fourth, we will encourage new ways of doing business and support the search for alternative sources of power. For the first time, customers will be able to make clean air a priority by choosing the type of power they want, including wind, fuel cells and solar. Giving them choice will help promote the demand for cleaner, greener electricity. And so, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce that Ontario's electricity sector will open by May 2002. The government is keeping its promise to introduce a competitive electricity market. We will do it, and we have put the principles in place to ensure that we do it right. Thank you. Peter Varley Senior Counselor GPC International Public Affairs and Communications Tel (416) 598-0055 ext. 267 Fax (416) 598-3811 pvarley@gpc.ca www.gpcinternational.com ******************************************************************* This email message has been swept by MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses Ce courrier a fait l'objet d'un balayage antivirus au moyen du logiciel MIMEsweeper *******************************************************************
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