Romano meets with steel industry to discuss energy issues

Ontario’s consultations on industrial electricity prices and programs buzzed into Sault Ste. Marie Tuesday.

It’s one of five consultations held across the province so Sault MPP Ross Romano and his counterpart Markham-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra can get a handle on what the industrial sector needs to help it with energy pricing and be more competitive.

The round-table discussions are part of the Ontario Industrial Rate Consultation on electricity prices, which have been ongoing for several weeks and have included a number of sectors, including steel, automotive, forestry, mining and agriculture, Romano said.

Participants included Algoma Steel, Tenaris, China Steel and several other local industries.

“We believe the most important thing we can do as a government is to consult with the stakeholders who know these industries in and out. We want to talk to them and look for ways to improve the system for them to ensure we can keep the promises we made to find a more efficient and better energy system than we already have,” Romano said. “That will allow people to keep more money in their pockets and businesses to be more competitive and us be more open for business in Ontario.”

The Ontario government wants to know what impact the Industrial Conservation Initiative has had on operations and competitiveness, how easy it is to lower consumption in potential peak hours or what suggestions industry has to improve fairness and industrial competitiveness or reducing red tape.

It also wants to hear thoughts on rate mitigation programs, preference in pricing structures and receive input on targeted electricity programs.

Information on the existing Northern Industrial Electricity Rate program and others are also being sought as well as views regarding proposed updates to the electricity market or procurement mechanisms proposed by the Independent Electricity System Operator.

Romano said energy pricing has been a priority for the provincial government since it was elected a year ago.

Changes were made to the residential side of the equation and now it’s time to study the industrial sector and find ways to make industries in Ontario more competitive with policy for industrial pricing on electricity, he added.

Romano said the message has been loud and clear: Ontario’s energy system needs to be repaired and programs need improvement.

Simply put, energy prices are too high and the system needs change to allow business and industry become more competitive in today’s marketplace.

In addition to round table consultations, Romano said an online component for feedback is also available and stakeholders are encouraged to respond.

“We are very excited with the progress that has been made to date and the response of the stakeholders. They’re very engaged in the process and they have been very forthcoming with their insight,” he said.

Minister Greg Rickford was unable to attend the Sault Ste. Marie consultations Wednesday but in a press release said the government wants to hear from the steel and northern sector on how it can improve the electricity system to make businesses more competitive.

“We need to ensure our job-creating industries can thrive in Ontario with fair electricity prices,” he said.

Romano said he couldn’t discuss specifics on where the province may be headed to help industries who require an abundance of energy.

The next few weeks will be spent compiling the data and submissions with the hope of rolling out policy for the new year.

“We want sound policy decisions to be made,” he said.

Submissions will be accepted online until June 14.