Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (Enbridge) has recognised the Ontario government for its leadership on climate change and is poised to help customers transition to a more sustainable future.
"Natural gas has already helped Ontario move off coal-fired electricity and will continue to play an important role in reducing the province's greenhouse gas emissions," says Jamie Milner, Vice President, Market Development and Customer Care at Enbridge.
"What's critical is that the proceeds collected from our customers are reinvested back into initiatives that benefit them," Milner added. "The new home retrofit programme announced earlier this month is a great example - the proposed 37 000 energy retrofits through Ontario's Green Investment Fund would reduce emissions and save homeowners money."
However, energy efficiency is not the only natural gas solution available. An area with great potential is renewable natural gas (RNG), which involves capturing and cleaning up naturally forming gas by-products from agricultural waste, landfill sites and wastewater plants that would otherwise enter the atmosphere.
Milner says that California, Quebec and British Columbia, as well as other jurisdictions, have already implemented RNG programmes. "We want to see the Ontario government help us start that transition in the forthcoming climate change action plan."
Other initiatives where cap and trade proceeds should be directed include: natural gas for transportation, combined heat and power, power to gas, and innovation.
Enbridge recognises that a price on carbon will help transition Ontario to a lower-carbon future. "It's important that we manage the move to a more sustainable future with the economic realities our customers face on a day to day basis. The best way to do that is to reinvest in these initiatives."
When the cap and trade regulations are finalised, Enbridge will inform customers on the anticipated bill impact, as well as how they can reduce their carbon footprint, and energy costs.
Adapted from press release by Francesca Brindle