Where the Parties Stand on Renewable Energy

Liberals: When in government, the Liberals committed to continuing the microFIT renewable energy program and the larger FIT program for projects smaller than 500 kW.  However, it extended the target date for securing 10,700 megawatts of power through these and other programs to 2021.  It also cancelled the FIT program for large generation projects (mostly wind), opting to return to a conventional “Request for Proposals” (competitive bidding) approach instead. The Liberal platform states that the party "will continue to invest in clean green energy, with 20,000 MW of renewable energy online by 2025, including hydro-electric, wind, solar, and bioenergy sources."

Progressive Conservatives:  The Progressive Conservatives are vowing to scrap both the FIT and microFIT renewable energy programs, blaming renewable energy for a rise in Ontario electricity prices despite the fact that wind and solar currently account for only 8% of Ontario’s electricity supply.  The PCs would instead opt for new and rebuilt nuclear plants, natural-gas fired generation and new large hydro-electric projects.

NDP: The NDP is promising to remove the provincial portion of the HST from hydro bills.  The party is opposed to new and rebuilt nuclear projects.  It is also proposing a revolving loan fund to help homeowners retrofit their homes and add solar panels. The NDP told a group of Ontario environmental organizations that "The Ontario NDP strongly supports bringing clean, renewable energy online."

Greens: In this election, the Greens are focusing on energy conservation, promising a $4,000 home energy retrofit grant for eligible homeowners and on-utility-bill financing for energy efficiency improvements.  The Green Party says it wants an energy plan that  “prioritizes financially responsible investments in clean, low-cost sources of new power generation . . . over new or re-built nuclear reactors.”  According to the Green Party Energy 2011 Energy Strategy, the party would “Insist on meaningful local participation in energy projects, support micro generation, and community-based renewable that generate local benefits.