Energy Conservation
Energy Conservation and Demand Management
Under the Green Energy Act (GEA), 2009 all municipalities must comply with O.Reg 397/11 - Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plans. This regulation requires the City to compile and submit their energy consumption data annually and to develop an Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan.
The first requirement, an annual Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report, was due July 1, 2013. This report is a compilation of 2011 energy consumption data (electricity and natural gas) and resultant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all City-owned facilities that are heated and/or cooled. The report must be updated and submitted by July 1st annually to the Ministry of Energy.
The second requirement of O.Reg 397/11 involves the preparation and implementation of an Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan. The plan must be prepared, endorsed by Council and posted on the City's website and made available to the public by July 1, 2014. After this initial deadline, the plan must be updated every five years outlining any new objectives and reporting on the outcome of previously recommended actions.
An Energy Conservation Committee, comprised of staff from multiple city departments and a member of Council, has been formed and meets regularly to review the City's obligations under O.Reg 397/11, as well as to focus efforts in meeting the requirements.
The City of Port Colborne's annual Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reports are available free of charge at the Engineering and Operations Centre, Operations Department or by clicking on the link below:
Annual Reports:
On June 9, 2014, Council approved the City's first Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan. Highlights of the Plan include:
Vision Statement
| To carry out the strategic and proactive pursuit of responsible energy management, in order to contribute to the environmental, economic, and social wellbeing of the residents, businesses and visitors of the City of Port Colborne. |
The City of Port Colborne aims to lead the community by example, and therefore commits to the following:
1) Allocation of the resources necessary to develop and implement a strategic energy management plan, aimed at reducing our energy consumption and its related environmental impact
2) Promotion of responsible energy management throughout the City, implementing economically viable energy conservation projects and renewable energy initiatives where possible
3) Compliance with legislated environmental requirements and standards
4) Continual improvement of the Plan and its projects and initiatives
The vision and subsequent commitments of the Plan outline the approach towards improving energy management within City facilities and act as a foundation for the remainder of the Plan.
Goals
The energy conservation goals set forth by the City of Port Colborne are long-term, high level strategies that support the energy vision of the City. They provide a framework within which conservation and demand management objectives have been developed.
The goals are as follows:
1) Provide the leadership necessary to promote a culture of energy conservation throughout City facilities
2) Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through energy conservation and management
3) Continuously improve the energy efficiency of City facilities and processes
4) Seek opportunities to utilize renewable energy sources where feasible and practical
Focus Areas
In order to better categorize and manage the objectives of the City, focus areas have been generated based on the goals and overall vision. These focus areas include:
· Organizational Integration
· Facility Energy Management
· Energy Data Management
· Energy Supply Management
· Procurement
Detailed Objectives are provided by viewing the Full Plan
For more information, please contact:
Darlene Suddard
Environmental Compliance Supervisor
66 Charlotte Street
Port Colborne, ON
L3K 3C8
Phone: 905-835-5079
Fax: 905-835-6800
