TORONTO, March 25, 2013 – Ontario has failed to prioritize and make a long-term commitment to energy conservation, according to a York University report released today.

The report, Electricity Conservation Policy in Ontario: Assessing a System in Progress, part of the Sustainable Energy Initiative Studies in Ontario Electricity Policy Paper Series, is published in the context of the February Speech from the Throne’s acknowledgement that “conservation is the cheapest source of energy.”

“The paper provides a detailed roadmap for turning the province’s renewed focus on energy conservation into reality, said Professor Mark Winfield of the Faculty of Environmental Studies and Co-chair of the Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI). “By acting on its new commitment, Ontario has the potential to strengthen the sustainability of Ontario’s electricity system and to enhance the energy productivity of Ontario’s economy.”

Overly rigid roles for electricity distribution companies in offering conservation programs, legislation that grants authority but not mandate conservation and lack of attention and support to build a culture of conservation, are highlighted as other major barriers to a successful energy conservation strategy.

Rebecca Mallinson, author of the paper and a graduate student in York’s Environmental Studies program, outlines 20 recommendations, among them that the province’s long-term energy policy objectives, including the pursuit of all cost-effective opportunities for conservation, be set through legislation rather than ministerial directives.

“I hope my recommendations will help policymakers to renew Ontario's commitment to electricity conservation. It only makes sense that our energy policies make conservation a priority because conservation is the best-choice electricity option," said Mallinson.

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Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca