Canadian Power Conference and Trade Show 2007

The Association of Power Producers of Ontario (which represents over 95% of the Ontario electricity market, more than 30,000 MW of power generation capacity ) held its 18th Annual Canadian Power Conference & Trade Show on November 13 & 14, 2007 in Toronto, Canada. This show's presentations explored the legal and business effect of the Ontario's government's energy policy. The Integrated Power System Plan ("IPSP") for Ontario was introduced at this meeting. The Ontario government had proposed during the 2003 election to eliminate by 2007 all coal burning facilities and replace them with gas burning facilities; however, Ontario now says that it will not be able to meet this goal until 2014 according to the Ontario Power Authority (the agency responsible for carrying out Ontario's electricity plan)! There are also questions about whether or not gas burning facilities are substantially better than coal burning facilities. The Directive's conservation goals are to reduce demand by 1350 MW by 2010 and an additional 3,600 MW by 2025. Ontario plans to increase its use of renewable energy such as hydroelectric, wind, solar and biomass by 2,700 MW by 2010 and by 15,700 MW by 2025. According to Ontario farmers attending this event, they were able to build an economically feasible wind farm but were unable to get an connection. It seems that Ontario should fix this problem to meet or exceed its goals. The IPSP also provides that nuclear power will be used to meet its base load either by building new reactors or the refurbishment of of existing nuclear reactors. There remains concerns about the costs and danger of nuclear power and the long term storage requirements thereof. TorontoArtsandEvents favours refurbishment of existing nuclear plants but not the buildng of new nuclear reactors and instead the money should be spent on conversation and on the development of renewable energy.

This annual event which was held in conjunction with the Green Power Conference is one of the leading conferences in the Ontario electricity sector. Ontario is looking at building or replacing power capacity at a rate amongst the highest anywhere in the world. The trade show which covered both green power and conventional technologies, featured some of the most active players in the power generation business. APPrO anticipated over 700 delegates, and 70 exhibitors, along with significant media and public attention. The Hedley Palmer Award ( given annually by APPrO to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the power generation industry ) was awarded to John W. Brace, President & CEO, Northland Power at the Banquet Dinner.

For an update on energy news and Ontario government promises, check back here for the Canadian Power Conference Trade Show 2008!! Click on this page for more information about APPrO and its conference and trade show.

John W. Brace

C: Hon. Gerry Phillips, Ontario Minister of Energy