OSEA believes the enhanced role of municipalities combined with the changes that ease community and First Nations participation will fortify Ontario's growing green economy

(Toronto, March 22, 2012) The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program update announced today is a positive and natural progression of the FIT program and a victory for communities, First Nations and progressive renewable energy developers.

"The Government's re-engagement and willingness to improve the program is both very important and timely. This renewed commitment will further strengthen Ontario's leadership role in renewable energy," stated Kristopher Stevens, OSEA's Executive Director.

Mr. Stevens observed, "Through our community and commercial members, OSEA advocated strongly during the FIT Review for an increased role for municipalities and local communities. We championed the role of local citizens as project proponents through a Community Power model and as more meaningful partners in projects with commercial developers. We are pleased the Government listened to OSEA."

OSEA believes the enhanced role of municipalities combined with the changes that ease community and First Nations participation will fortify Ontario's growing green economy. These improvements are important steps toward maximizing local benefits, creating jobs and addressing legitimate local concerns.

"OSEA is excited that more Ontario communities, including aboriginal ones, are now better positioned to develop community-based renewable energy projects," stated Harry French, Director of OSEA's Community Power Services Group. French went on to say, "OSEA is ready to help by deploying the community engagement tools we have already developed. We expect they will be in high demand, with communities now a priority."

Today's changes also mean OSEA looks forward to helping commercial developers better understand and deploy engagement and partnership best practices that enhance community benefits.

Mr. Stevens continued, "Shifting the contracting and the Renewable Energy Approvals process oversight to the Cabinet Office responds to a previous weakness. We trust this highlights the priority the Government is placing on renewable energy development and the priority it places on an orderly process and enhanced cross-Ministry coordination."

OSEA is very excited about the new emphasis on energy storage and investment in smartening up Ontario's grid. This represents a tremendous opportunity for Ontario inventors, entrepreneurs and manufacturers. The successful convergence and coordination of telecommunications, electricity, thermal energy, natural gas and water to best meet Ontario's future energy needs represents billions of dollars in business opportunities across global markets.

In conclusion, OSEA welcomes and applauds this important recharging of the Ontario FIT program. OSEA is ready to begin work with all Ontarians to ensure everyone will share in the success of a green energy future.

For more information or to schedule interviews, contact: Don Huff, Environmental Communication Options, at 416-805-7720 or huffd@ecostrategy.ca

The Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) is a non-partisan, member-based non-profit dedicated to inspiring and enabling the people of Ontario to improve the environment, economy and their health by conserving and producing clean, renewable energy in their homes, businesses and communities. Members include individuals, manufacturers, installers, developers, municipalities, First Nations, farmers, co-operatives and other community organizations supportive of, and engaged in, sustainable energy in Ontario.