APPrO statement on the signing of the first Standard Offer contracts, Feb 27 2007

For immediate release: February 27, 2007

APPrO commends 22 new power producers

TORONTO: The Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO) today congratulated the recipients of 22 new contracts for small scale renewable power generation. Under Ontario’s Standard Offer Program (SOP) new renewable energy projects are eligible to be paid for the power they produce under standard contract terms and rates. The 22 contracts represent 130 MW of new power generation capacity and will leverage more than $300 million in additional capital investment in Ontario.

“Each of these new power generators deserves to be commended for their initiatives to harness new environmentally-friendly sources of energy,” said APPrO President David Butters. “The Standard Offer Program makes Ontario a world leader in creating opportunities for this kind of small scale renewable energy development and these projects will make a significant contribution to energy security, economic development and environmental protection in Ontario. These results show that Ontarians, when encouraged to innovate, can succeed at turning the problem of climate change into a new business opportunity,” he said.

Butters noted that APPrO has been very supportive of the Standard Offer model initiative and continues to work with the Ontario Power Authority and industry stakeholders on broadening the program to include small, high-efficiency gas fired projects as well.

However, Butters cautioned that options to connect additional projects in constrained zones must be evaluated on a high priority basis in order to avoid stranding those projects – otherwise there could be a negative impact on Ontario's renewable energy targets. While noting that certain areas of the province are constrained by a historical lack of investment in the transmission system, he said that APPrO looks forward to working closely with the OPA and other stakeholders to find innovative ways to open up the constrained zones so that even more Standard Offer projects can move forward.

APPrO is a non-profit organization representing more than 100 companies involved in the generation of electricity in Ontario, including generators, suppliers of services, equipment and consulting services. APPrO members produce power from nuclear, hydro, fossil, wind, waste wood and other energy sources. APPrO's members currently produce over 95% of the electricity generated in Ontario.

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For further information contact:

David Butters, President
Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO)
25 Adelaide St. E., Suite 1602, Toronto ON M5C 3A1
tel: (416) 322-6549 or (647) 444-6549
fax: (416) 481-5785
e-mail: david.butters@appro.org
website: http://www.appro.org

Note to editors:

APPrO’s earlier comments on the Standard Offer and a number of resources for Standard Offer proponents are available on the organization’s website, or directly through the following links:

http://www.appro.org/SOCresources.html

http://www.appro.org/APPrO_Submission_to_OEB_on_Standard_Offer_Program,_December_5,_2005.pdf

http://www.appro.org/APPrO_Perspectives_on_Standard_Offer_Contract,_Nov_16_2005.pdf

and

http://www.appro.org/APPrO_news_release_November_9_2006.html

Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO)
PO Box 1084, Stn. F, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 2T7
tel.: 416-322-6549 fax 416-481-5785
e-mail: APPrO@APPrO.org website: http://www.appro.org