Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece says the provincial government’s Climate Change Action Plan shows the Liberals aren’t looking out for citizens’ best interests.
“We should be under no illusions. This government has no interest in making energy more affordable, and they are not looking out for our best interest,” the Conservative MPP stated in a press release issued following the release of the plan on June 9.
“The latest Liberal plan is, instead, about politics. It would require new homes to be ‘carbon net zero’ by 2030. This spells bad News for natural gas, because it is nearly impossible to heat a home with natural gas while being ‘carbon net zero,’” states Pettapiece.
The idea of a net zero energy (NZE) home is that it produces at least as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis.
“According to Natural Resources Canada (NRC), net zero housing is not yet market feasible because costs run as high as $150,000,” Pettapiece continued.
On its website NRC estimates the current cost of attaining a net zero rating at between $100,000 and $150,000, but states “the goal is to drastically reduce the risk and cost of NZE housing technologies so that they can become readily available in the marketplace.”
However, Pettapiece insists, “Ultimately, the Liberal plan remains to discourage natural gas. That is just foolish.
“The Township of Perth East has worked very hard – over many years – to bring natural gas to the people of Milverton. Many other small and rural communities also have no access to it.
“By making natural gas more expensive over the long term, it becomes less likely that utilities will make the investments we need,” he states.
At a press conference announcing the plan, Premier Kathleen Wynne stated, “natural gas remains a clean, reliable option and it will continue to play a critical role in the energy mix in Ontario.”
Environment Minister Glen Murray has said the plan will add about $5 a month to home heating bills and 4.3 cents a litre to the price of gasoline.
Pettapiece says the Ontario PC Caucus supports “a practical and realistic plan” to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
“We have been clear that any plan must help to grow our economy, keep hydro bills down, and put money back in the pockets of consumers. The government’s plan will do the opposite,” he said.
