Accelerating Energy Infrastructure Projects in Ontario - Focus area #1: Reducing Costs and Delays

Accelerating Energy Infrastructure Projects in Ontario The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and its members appreciate the extensive work being undertaken to build the energy infrastructure this province needs – from new generation to transmission and distribution infrastructure, carbon capture, storage, and more. [...] To support that work, the OCC has developed the following policy recommendations focused on incentivizing and accelerating energy infrastructure projects under three areas of focus: reducing costs and delays, financing the infrastructure, and minimizing uncertainty. [...] This includes building on the work of the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the new Building Ontario Fund, using loan guarantees and other mechanisms that lower the risk and costs of private investments. [...] As recommended by the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel, the Ontario government should fund independent studies on an ongoing basis to ensure transparency on costs and assumptions around the energy transition and support stakeholders in making the right investments. [...] This requires working with project proponents, IESO, OEB, utilities, and other stakeholders to share information, build capacity, and improve awareness among municipal official and staff, and the general public about energy projects, their safety and environmental record, and the local benefits.