The Association of Major Power Consumers in Ontario is a not for profit consumer interest organization whose mission is to promote the competitiveness of Ontario industry through an efficient electricity sector. AMPCO advocates for a system with proper regulation that produces fair rates for reliable transmission and distribution of competitively priced electricity supplies.

We want what all customers want: reliable supplies at affordable prices, competitive prices and fair rates.

Given the complexities of the electricity sector and the importance of an affordable and reliable source of power, it is critical for industry to present a strong, unified voice to policy makers.

AMPCO is the voice of industrial power in Ontario:

·         analyzing and advocating for policy,

·         intervening with regulators and public agencies on issues that matter to industry,

·         working with stakeholders to promote industrial interests in policy and regulation,

·         supporting its members with exclusive analysis, intelligence and insight

·         providing a forum for information sharing and engagement on important electricity issues.

The policy choices of the Ontario government and the decisions of regulatory agencies can mean the difference between failure and success for industry. We work to make sure that you get the best analysis, advice and advocacy to help you manage your business.

1      Our Members

·         Industry leaders in energy management

·         Forestry, chemical, mining and minerals, steel, petroleum products, cement, automotive and manufacturing industries

·         38 of the largest power consumers in Ontario

·         12.5 TWh per year – electricity expenditures >$1.5 billion/a

·         50% of industrial demand, 14% of Ontario demand

·         50,000 employees across Ontario

2      Benefits of Membership

Ontario’s electricity policy powers the economic future of Ontario.

Reliable electricity at affordable prices is essential to your success as well as Ontario’s overall economic competitiveness, employment opportunities and quality of life. Joining AMPCO gives you a voice in this critical aspect of your business.

Expertise to help improve your bottom line: Ontario’s electricity pricing is a result of a complex regulatory environment. As a member, you will have ready access to a knowledgeable staff that can help you understand the sector and your bill – so that you can act to reduce costs.

AMPCO communicates regularly with decision-makers in government, power utilities, the media, industry and allied associations. We maintain a roster of expert legal, technical, and public affairs counsel. We also monitor economic, technical, and legislative developments that affect members and we focus on the issues that matter most to you.

Strategic alliances for a stronger voice: We look for common interests and forge alliances with industry associations and other consumer organizations because it works – increasing our influence and leveraging our efforts.

Timely action on critical issues: AMPCO proactively monitors the development of government policy and market rules so that you don’t have to. As a lean organization, we can ramp up quickly and lobby effectively at the earliest sign of a threat to member interests.

Primary research on electricity issues: AMPCO has commissioned major studies showing the economic impact of electricity policy choices. We track industrial rates in Ontario and other jurisdictions so we can benchmark Ontario’s electricity competitiveness. Our research is recognized by industry, government, and regulators as an important source of information. We undertake regular surveys to assess public attitudes on critical issues.

Ensuring you have a place at the table: AMPCO has unparalleled access to important players in the electricity sector. We undertake proactive involvement on policy and regulatory issues with numerous ministries and provide input to the Ontario Power Authority, the Ontario Energy Board, and the Independent Electricity System Operator. Joining AMPCO ensures your interests are represented when important issues are being debated.

Professional development, industry events and on-going communications:  AMPCO organizes a variety of meetings: conferences, policy briefings on priority issues, and regional workshops. We strive to continuously improve so that we can provide better information that engages you and all our stakeholders on the issues that matter most.

3      Exclusive Membership Services

Executive briefings: exclusive access to policy briefings on important electricity issues

·         IESO proposals to move from peak to average demand in the pre-dispatch process; costs, risks and implications for industrial consumers

·         OPG proposals to comply with regulations and shareholder directives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal production in 2009, 2010 and 2011

·         Hydro One Networks’ application for double-digit rate increases in transmission revenues and rates: strategies for effective intervention at the Ontario Energy Board

Special events: semi-annual comprehensive briefings on electricity issues and implications for industry

Twice a year, AMPCO members are invited to exclusive day-long seminars covering the full range of current issues and initiatives in which AMPCO is involved.

Benchmarking industrial rates: comparing delivered power prices in Ontario and other jurisdictions

AMPCO produces annual reports comparing delivered wholesale prices in Ontario and other jurisdictions: New York, New England, the Pennsylvania-Maryland-New Jersey market, the Midwest IESO, and adjacent Canadian provinces.

Power Market Outlook^TM a forecast of electricity prices, rates and bills for industry

A free subscription for AMPCO members only, the Power Market Outlook^TM news (to be launched in 2010) is designed to answer the basic questions of energy managers: why the bill is what it is, what it has been, and what bills can be expected to be in the months and years ahead.

4      Recent Successes

Our success is based on our reputation. Because our advocacy is based on rigourous analysis and promotes good public policy, decision-makers listen.

AMPCO built a strategic alliance of seven major associations that lobbied successfully for the extension of revenue caps on the unregulated generation assets of Ontario Power Generation – saving our members hundreds of millions of dollars over the past three years.

AMPCO intervened on Hydro One’s 2007 request for a transmission rate increase to the Ontario Energy Board. AMPCO pointed out a number of questionable assumptions and errors in forecasts. Overall, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) approved a formula that reduced total transmission rates, saving customers anywhere from 12 to 21 per cent on monthly bills.

AMPCO challenged changes by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to the ramp rate multiplier, pursuing its objections in the courts when the OEB failed to take action. As part of settlement discussions, AMPCO withdrew it challenge. The IESO, in turn, has undertaken a number of initiatives to review and improve its stakeholder processes and to review and assess the impact of the rule change on electricity prices. AMPCO’s intervention delayed the implementation of the rule by at least one year, saving an average member as much as $2.5 million.

5      Membership Requirements and Funding

Membership is limited to companies with minimum average monthly demand greater than or equal to 1 megawatt.

Fees are progressive, with each member paying according to their average annual rate of consumption. All members, regardless of their fee level, share an equal voice in AMPCO’s deliberations. A minimum fee has been set at $1,100 per year, with a maximum level of $48,000 per year.

Membership fees are calculated at $0.0455/MWh of prior year electricity consumption. Fees are paid quarterly with the amount based on an honour system, with members reporting their own electricity consumption.

AMPCO is recognized as the most credible and passionate voice for sensible electricity pricing and policies. Now more than ever, we need your support to promote policy choices that serve and protect your interests.

For more information on how AMPCO can help you achieve your business objectives please contact:

Adam White

Association of Major Power Consumers in Ontario

T: 416-260-0225