Ontario will be the first province in Canada to join the influential international Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) Energy Minister Dwight Duncan announced today.

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario will be the first province in Canada to join the influential international Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) Energy Minister Dwight Duncan announced today.

"We share a common goal with REEEP's over 200 partner organizations - supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency," Duncan said. "Our membership will allow Ontario to contribute to international policy dialogue on clean energy and help address barriers to clean energy both in Ontario and globally."

REEEP is a global public-private partnership that develops clean energy initiatives and has helped finance more than 50 renewable energy projects in 44 countries. REEEP is funded through national governments and is supported by financial and business professionals and non-government organizations across the world.

"REEEP is pleased to welcome Ontario as the first province to join REEEP," said Marianne Osterkorn, International Director, REEEP." Ontario has demonstrated a commitment to renewable energy and energy conservation that is consistent with the goals of our global partnership."

"Ontario's decision to become a partner in REEEP provides a valuable link for Ontario businesses," said Stephen Koch, Executive Director for the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, Canada. "It will bridge the gap between international standards/opportunities and those industries developing energy efficient and renewable technologies in this province."

Ontario has been a leader in Canada for both renewable energy and energy conservation. The province has:

Contracted to increase its renewable wind energy capacity by 800 percent in just over 3 years.

Developed the first standard offer program (renewable energy tariffs) in Canada.

Authorized the investment of over $2 billion in energy conservation and energy efficiency initiatives over the past four years including programs for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

Reduced energy consumption in government buildings by almost 10 per cent.

Developed the most stringent energy efficiency requirements of any Building Code in Canada. In addition to increased conservation requirements, the Code contains provisions to address barriers related to renewable self-generation, specifically, solar roof panels and wind turbines.

For more information:

Steve Erwin
Ministers' Office
416-327-3546

Sylvia Kovesfalvi
Communications Branch
416-327-4334