The province is one step closer to being the first jurisdiction in North America to eliminate coal as a source of electricity.
Today, the province marked the end of burning coal at the Lambton Generating Station. This leaves Nanticoke Generating Station as the last operating coal-fired facility in Southern Ontario, which is slated to stop burning coal at the end of 2013.
Ontario has committed to end coal generation by the end of 2014. Closing these plants one year ahead of schedule will save ratepayers $95 million from reduced maintenance and project costs. A coal-free energy mix will also lead to a significant reduction in harmful emissions, cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Eliminating coal-fired generation and protecting the environment while providing clean, reliable and affordable power is part of the government's plan to invest in people, build strong infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate across Ontario.
Minister of Energy Minister of Health and Long-Term CareQuick Facts
Quotes
Bob Chiarelli"Ontario is committed to building a clean, modern reliable electricity system to replace dirty coal fired generation. Getting off coal is the single largest climate change initiative being undertaken in North America, equivalent to taking up to seven million cars off the road. This initiative will leave a healthier environment, cleaner air for our children and grandchildren.”
Deb Matthews"Eliminating coal generation is helping keep Ontarians healthy and also lessening the impact on our health care system. Thanks to our collective efforts to eliminate coal we have prevented premature deaths, avoided unnecessary hospital admissions, and saved precious health care dollars that can be re-invested elsewhere to benefit patients.”