McMaster forum tackles demand for dwindling energy capacity

While Ontario faces increasing demands on its dwindling electricity capabilities, McMaster University's Institute for Energy Studies will assemble a forum of experts today to recommend ways of encouraging people to reduce their energy consumption.

“The window is closing on Ontario's ability to meet the growing demand for electricity,” says Dean Mountain, the institute's director, and professor of finance and business economics. “We have 10 to 15 years left before the situation becomes dire. It's time to get creative, and get customers motivated to change their habits.”

One idea, he says, is a U.S. model where customers are generously compensated for reducing their energy demand in peak periods.

Electrical capacity and reliability has been an issue since the blackout of August, 2003, which affected much of Ontario and the northeastern United States. Unless customers see clear, consistent price signals and are equipped to deal with higher prices, current resources will be unable to meet energy surges at key times of the day and year, says Mountain.

The Honourable Donna Cansfield, MPP, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Energy and the chair of Ontario's Conservation Action Team, will deliver the keynote address. Participants include the Ontario Energy Board, the Independent Electricity Market Operator, electricity utilities, and academics and energy consultants from across Canada and the United States.

The Demand Response workshop will be held Monday, Nov. 29 at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., in the CIBC Room, third floor, McMaster University Student Centre. The keynote will take place at 12:15 p.m.