As we’ve been saying, the new “procurement” process for large-scale power projects (over 500 kW) has not yet been announced, but there are enough clues in the recently released Long-Term Energy Plan that we have an idea of what’s coming.

First of all, the Feed In Tariff program is gone for large projects; in its place is a Request for Proposal or RFP system, in which applicants will have to meet a number of requirements and rack up points. Those of us who respond to government RFPs will be familiar with the process.

The LTEP outlines several principles that will be applied when launching future energy procurement programs:

• follow provincial and/or regional electricity system need;
• consider municipal electricity generation preferences;
• engage early and regularly with local and Aboriginal communities;
• provide opportunity for a diverse set of participants;
• identify clear procurement needs, goals and expectations; and
• encourage innovative technologies and approaches, including consideration of  proposals that integrate energy storage with renewable energy generation.

As stated in the 2013 LTEP, the government plans to make available up to 300 MW of wind, 140 MW of solar, 50 MW of bioenergy and 50 MW of hydroelectric capacity in 2014.

Note that the wording is that the government will “consider” municipal generation preferences, but that doesn’t mean that if you don’t ant a wind power project, for example, you get to say “no.” Note the importance of the regional energy plans, and also the need to “engage” with local communities.

Again, Prowind has indicated to us that they will be reviewing the new requirements and then reapplying.

The people of Ottawa, and specifically North Gower and Richmond, are ready to act to protect our community, our health, our local economy, and our property values, from a subsidy-seeking power project that is NOT NEEDED.

Email us at ottawawindconcerns@gmail.com

P O Box 3 North Gower ON  K0A 2T0