TORONTO, Aug. 17 /CNW/ - The Association of Major Power Consumers in Ontario (AMPCO) has been pressing for the electricity policy reforms, announced today by the McGuinty Government, in order to improve Ontario's competitiveness and create jobs.

Once implemented, the plan will make an immediate and significant contribution to business conditions favouring investment and job creation, by providing incentives for large industries to reduce demand for electricity during critical peak times.

"This plan will make Ontario a more competitive place to do business, creating investment and jobs during this fragile economic recovery," said Adam White, president of AMPCO. "Our members employ 50,000 people in the province's key manufacturing and resource industries. In today's competitive global market, Ontario's manufacturers need a policy framework that rewards investment in energy efficiency and conservation. The announcement today will help Ontario companies attract investment and save and create jobs in the province."

Because it addresses those critical peak demand days, the plan has environmental benefits. By stabilizing demand, it ultimately reduces electricity costs for all Ontarians.

"The greenest, cheapest megawatt of power is the one we don't consume," said White. "Rewarding companies that reduce their demand during the hot, humid and smoggy periods in summer when air conditioning demand is highest is good for the electricity system and all electricity consumers, good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for Ontario."

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Contact:

Adam White

cell: (416) 999-5781

QUOTES

"This is an important step by the McGuinty government that will help industry more actively participate in the green economy. The government's leadership on this issue will provide businesses with a powerful incentive to manage their electrical use more responsibly, particularly on the most critical days of the year. It will also provide additional incentive to boost investment and create jobs in Ontario."

- John Pollesel

Vice President Production Services (Canada/UK)

General Manager Ontario Operations

Vale

"This program will result in energy, environmental and economic benefits-a great combination. By encouraging a shift away from peak demand periods, both the need for and use of peaking plants will be lessened, resulting in a reduced reliance on fossil-fueled facilities. With an industrial time of use framework available, the average cost of power, a critical cost element for many industries, will be lower. This will result in improved competitiveness and greater potential for job security. This initiative comes at a critical time for the Ontario economy generally and the Northern Ontario economy in particular. Tembec fully supports this initiative."

- Jim Lopez

President and CEO

Tembec

"Gerdau Ameristeel applauds the McGuinty government's new initiative designed to encourage Ontario's largest electricity users to reduce consumption during costly, peak periods. This initiative will make available the framework to help manage electricity costs in Ontario's new "Green" economy, providing businesses such as our own, with the competitive landscape to retain and create jobs and increase investment in the province."

- Darren MacDonald

Director of Energy

Gerdau Ameristeel