APPrO response to the release of the Electricity Restructuring Act, June 15, 2004

For immediate release: June 15, 2004

Power producers welcome introduction of Electricity Restructuring Act

TORONTO, June 15, 2004- The Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO) said that it welcomes the introduction of the Electricity Restructuring Act by Ontario Energy Minister Dwight Duncan in the Ontario Legislature today. "This is a key piece of legislation for the electricity sector,” said David Butters, APPrO’s president. “We are looking forward to working with the government over the coming months to ensure that the final legislation really does accomplish what it sets out to do - that is, to bring on a range of new power generation and efficiency measures to ensure Ontario has an affordable and reliable supply of power. Ontario's economic prosperity and quality of life depend on it.”

"Ontario has a critical shortage of generating capacity and fixing Ontario's electricity market is one of the most important tasks the current government is undertaking", Butters said. He stressed that the government will be able to achieve its goals only if the new legislation leads to a much greater emphasis on non-taxpayer investment, sound business principles and commercial practices as a key part of the solution. This includes dealing equitably with private sector generators who made investments in Ontario under previous investment frameworks, he added.

Butters noted that that APPrO was encouraged by the current process initiated by the provincial government to contract for 300 MW of renewable energy supply and an additional 2500MW of new supply and/or demand management expected shortly. "These are important first steps, but they are only part of the solution. The real challenge is to restore business confidence in Ontario’s electricity sector. If this legislation succeeds in creating a sustainable electricity market for Ontario that also provides a healthy and equitable business environment, then we will have been successful," he said.

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

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For further information:

David Butters, President, 416-322-6549
John Brace, Chair, 416-962-6262

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: www.appro.org

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.newenergy.org

For queries or suggestions, please forward to:

APPrO, PO Box 1084 Station F, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2T7 Canada.
Street address: 163-C Eastbourne Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5P 2G5
(416) 322-6549 fax 416-481-5785 e-mail: APPrO@APPrO.org

Last update: June 15, 2004 URL: http://www.newenergy.org