Publications
Reports | Factsheets | Submissions | FYI | Election Questionnaires You can order copies of pamphlets by clicking here. ReportsFinishing the coal phase out: An historic opportunity for climate leadership. Ontario now has a significant surplus of coal-free electricity, making it possible for the province to complete the coal phase out ahead of June’s G20 Summit in Toronto. 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. As a consequence, we no longer need our dirty coal plants to keep the lights on in Ontario or to ensure a reliable electricity supply. Powerful Options: A review of Ontario’s options for replacing aging nuclear plants – This report discusses how hydro-electricity imports from Quebec and the development of the Lower Churchill Falls Project in Labrador can replace Ontario’s aging nuclear. The Power of Mutual Benefit – Increased electricity trade between Ontario and Quebec could provide the two provinces with economic benefits in excess of $1 billion per year according this new OCAA report. The Power of Mutual Benefit, outlines the many benefits of interprovincial energy trade and building a sustainable Canadian energy sharing strategy that meets social and environmental goals. Coal phase out within our grasp -- Ontario can idle its dirty coal plants five years ahead of the government's official Dec. 31, 2014 deadline.There is a tremendous opportunity to take action on climate change now by taking coal offline by 2010. As this report outlines, we have the power, we just need a farsighted decision to act now. Too Big, Too Costly and Too Polluting - The Ontario Government is proposing a large 350-400 megawatt simple-cycle gas plant to meet the power needs of Northern York Region. This low-efficiency plant will cost hundreds of millions of dollars and will operate on only a handful of very hot summer days. This report outlines a smarter strategy for meeting York Region's power needs. Tax Shift - Eliminating Subsidies and Moving to Full Cost Electricity Pricing. This new report from OCAA Research Inc. outlines how Ontario can improve productivity and reduce pollution by shifting money spent on electricity subsidies to a new consumer rebate. The Ontario Power Authority's Coal Phase-out Strategy: A Critical Review - This report looks at the Ontario Power Authority's plan for meeting the province's 2014 coal phase out deadline and suggests how the plan could be improved to allow a full coal phase out by 2010. Increasing productivity and moving towards a renewable future: A New Electricity Strategy for Ontario - This in-depth report looks at how Ontario can increase prosperity, and improve health and our environment while making its industries more competitive by focusing on rewarding efficient electricity use instead of subsidizing inefficient production and consumption. Read our reports on the proposed gas plant in Northern York RegionThe Ontario Government has proposed a large 350-400 megawatt simple cycle gas plant to meet the power needs of Northern York Region. This low-efficiency plant will cost hundreds of millions of dollars and will operate on only a handful of very hot summer days. Read more. FactsheetsThe OCAA's Air Quality Issues factsheet series provides a concise overview of some the key issues around electricity generation and use in Ontario. Featured factsheets Read our backgrounder about our recommended amendments for the proposed Green Energy Act Conservation vs. New Supply: This updated factsheet summarizes the Ontario Power Authority's spending on new supply sources compared to its spending on efficiency and conservation methods. The factsheet finds that for every megawatt of demand reduction, the OPA has contracted for 19 megawatts of new supply. It also finds that for every dollar that OPA has spent on energy conservation, it has contracted for $60 of new supply. Places of Power - Advancing Combined Heat and Power in the Institutional and Municipal Sector:This 8-page factsheet looks at combined heat and power (CHP) applications for everything from hospitals and universities to wastewater treatment plants. It also profiles the City of Markham's groundbreaking district energy system, which has a major CHP component. This is the second in our series of factsheets examining how Ontario can increase the use of highly efficient CHP to replace dirty coal fired electricity. Ontario's Impending Nuclear Monopoly: If the Ontario Government proceeds with its current plan to acquire up to 14,000 megawatts of power from new and refurbished nuclear reactors, nuclear power will dominate Ontario electricity's supply, providing up to 72% of the province's power. Our factsheet outlines a fairer and more balanced approach to meeting Ontario's electricity needs. Towers of Power - Advancing combined heat and power in multi-residential buildings. CHP systems can provide big advantages – not the least of which is significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing coal-fired electricity - Ontario has secured large quantities of new supply, but needs to pick up the pace on conservation and demand management. Submissions and presentationsThis section contains OCAA submissions to government agencies, such as the Ontario Power Authority and Ontario Energy Board, as well as copies of OCAA presentations to various forums. FYIThis section contains materials from other organizations with useful information about the coal phase out, air pollution and electricity issues. Election QuestionnairesThe OCAA has questioned provincial and federal election candidates on issues such as coal phase out deadlines and the East Toronto Transmission Line. Their responses are posted here. Ontario can idle its dirty coal plants five years ahead of the government's official Dec. 31, 2014 deadline.There is a tremendous opportunity to take action on climate change now by taking coal offline by 2010. As this report outlines, we have the power, we just need a farsighted decision to act now.
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