We Can Phase-Out Coal Now!

February 18, 2010

We Can Phase-Out Coal Now!

Ontario now has a significant surplus of coal-free electricity, making it possible for the province to complete the coal phase out ahead of the G20 Summit in Toronto this June.

According to an Ontario Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) report released today, Finishing the coal phase-out: An historic opportunity for climate leadership, Ontario’s coal-free generation capacity is now 23% greater than the province’s forecast peak day demand in the summer of 2010, and 27% greater than its forecast peak day demand in 2014. This means we no longer need our dirty coal plants to keep the lights on in Ontario or to ensure a reliable electricity supply!

The OCAA is recommending that the province immediately put the coal plants on standby reserve and operate them only in the event of a power emergency or to support grid stability until their permanent shutdown in 2014.

Let’s show the world that we do care about our health and our climate.

Key Facts

• Ontario’s coal-fired generation fell by 73% between 2003 and 2009.
• In 2009 Ontario’s coal-fired output was at its lowest level in 45 years.
• Coal-fired generation is no longer profitable for Ontario Power Generation (OPG). During the first nine months of 2009, OPG received a $294 million subsidy from Ontario’s electricity consumers to compensate it for the operating losses of its Nanticoke and Lambton coal-fired power plants.
• In 2009 Ontario’s coal plants caused 246 deaths and almost 123,000 minor illnesses (e.g., asthma attacks).
• Ontario’s coal phase-out is the single largest greenhouse gas emission reduction initiative in North America – equivalent to taking almost 7 million cars off the road.

Please email Premier McGuinty and ask him to provide climate leadership for Canada and the world by phasing out our dirty coal plants before the G20 Summit. (And cc me.)

Please pass this message on to your friends.

Thank you,

Angela Bischoff, Outreach Director
Ontario Clean Air Alliance
402-625 Church St, Toronto M4Y 2G1
Phone: 416-926-1907 ext. 246
Fax: 416-926-1601

angela@cleanairalliance.org

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