Ontario opting for gas to fill void once Pickering nuclear plant shuts down

Ontario’s energy grid is about to become a lot less green.

With the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station slated to close in 2025 permanently, the Doug Ford government is dialling up the gas to help fill the electricity void.

The administration announced today the signing of more electricity contracts, as 90 per cent of them are reliant on natural gas-generated power, while only 10 per cent rely on renewable energy.

Ontario’s Energy Minister says that’s because he’s looking for reliability and something more affordable to taxpayers.

“We’ve been able to get great savings for the ratepayers of Ontario while getting us through that supply gap that we know is coming,” said Todd Smith.

When asked what implications added gas generation would have on the environment, Smith insisted that no new plants will be built at the current time.

“We have asked the independent electricity system operator to speed up their report to us on a moratorium on any new gas builds,” said Smith.

“We’re talking about existing natural gas facilities currently operating in the province that have been re-contracted at better savings. We’re not adding any new gas plants in Ontario.”

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The decision has opposing parties pointing to the potential impact on climate change.

“It’s now or never to address the climate crisis, and the government has failed to meet the moment,” said Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner.

“Renewable energy is far lower cost than natural gas, and we can ramp it up quickly to meet demand when Pickering goes offline.”

“I would have said go back to the drawing boards and look at how you minimize or eliminate gas in the mix because we have a substantial climate crisis,” added Interim NDP leader Peter Tabuns.

In 2019, the Ford government cancelled 750 green energy contracts signed by the previous Liberal government, contending that the province didn’t need the power and that projects were driving up the electricity rate.