Mayor Karen Farbridge is pleased with the recent announcement by Minister of Energy, Bob Chiarelli to give priorities to municipalities and their renewable energy projects along with a stronger voice in regional energy planning.
Minister Chiarelli also announced that the Province will develop a new competitive procurement system for renewable energy projects that meet the needs of the community.
“Our diligent advocacy efforts for the last two years have paid off. Consultation is critical to ensure distributive, integrated and system-based decisions are made and Guelph’s Community Energy Initiative (CEI) is a living example,” said Mayor Farbridge.
The CEI, which was developed by a broad consortium that included the City, utilities, business and industry, Provincial government, University of Guelph, and local schools, aims to secure a healthy, reliable energy future while reducing environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions.
Mayor Farbridge noted that community energy plans like Guelph’s CEI offer solutions to the Province’s ongoing energy challenges while building strong, resilient local economies.