Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Ontario Solar Network to Convene Town Hall Meeting on the OPA's Proposed microFIT Rate Changes

Event Details

Ontario Solar Network to Convene Town Hall Meeting on the OPA's Proposed microFIT Rate Changes

Time: July 22, 2010 from 7pm to 9:30pm
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
City/Town: Vaughan, ON
Website or Map: http://www.ontariosolarnetwor…
Event Type: town, hall, meeting
Organized By: Ontario Solar Network
Latest Activity: Jul 21, 2010

Export to Outlook or iCal (.ics)

Event Description

Solar Market Confidence Shaken in Light of McGuinty Government Flip Flop
Ontario Solar Network to Convene Town Hall Meeting on the OPA's Proposed microFIT Rate Changes

On July 22, from 7:00 - 9:30 pm, Ontario Solar Network (OSN) will host an open town hall meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Vaughan, ON to discuss the Ontario Power Authority's (OPA) proposed price changes for microFIT projects (under 10kW). Free to the general public, this event will feature leaders in Ontario's solar industry and Ben Chin, VP Communications, Ontario Power Authority (OPA).

At issue is the OPA's plans to reduce microFIT contract rates for ground-mounted solar projects from 80.2c /kWh to 58.8c /kWh. The rationale stems from a perceived higher rate of return that ground-mounted PV systems enjoy over rooftop installations.

Critics of the change point out the crippling effect that reduced incentives could have on an industry very much in its infancy. Of the 16,000 microFIT applications pending approval, nearly 60% are for ground-mounted installations. An online petition to fight these proposed changes, argues, "Fewer ground mount systems will be sold, and public trust in the integrity of the program will be lost if [they] do not act now."

Ontario Solar Network's Chairman, Jacob Travis, comments that, "While the OPA is understandably concerned about keeping the program solvent for as long as possible, opponents of the price changes are rightfully worried about the global effects on Ontario's new solar market." The OPA's promise was stable pricing. The proposed change calls that into question and shakes the market's confidence.

Travis, who also serves as director of Ontario Solar Academy, stresses that, "This open event is not about us versus them. We all want the same thing -- a vibrant solar industry. Our goal is to find solutions that benefit all stakeholders. This forum is a vehicle for open communication between those who set the policies and the business community impacted by the changes."

Click here to register for the Town Hall Meeting
Click here to read more about the OPA's pricing change
Click here to read about or sign up for the petition against the change


About Ontario Solar Network

Ontario Solar Network is a non-profit business association comprised of individual solar energy producers, solar businesses, and other stakeholders committed to the highest standards of professionalism.

Comment Wall

Comment

RSVP for Ontario Solar Network to Convene Town Hall Meeting on the OPA's Proposed microFIT Rate Changes to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Attending (1)

Might attend (1)

Not Attending (1)

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Saskatchewan farm show ready to highlight new innovations

Western Canada’s largest outdoor farm show returns this month to showcase new and exciting technology for the agriculture sector. Ag in Motion show director Rob O’Connor said there will be more to explore, drive and discover. “There’s a reason Ag in Motion is known as the place to find out what’s new in agriculture every year,” O’Connor said. “Advancements in production and AgTech are always featured and celebrated here.” Among the key attractions this year are the Ride & Drives that give farmers the opportunity to get behind the wheel and test the latest equipment in real field conditions, offering a hands-on comparison of models and features. A variety of sprayers, tractors and material handling equipment, such as skid steers, compact loaders and will be available to try out. The 2025 Innovations Program highlights emerging products and solutions developed to solve real on-farm challenges, which are available for visitors to view on-site. New this year is the debut of the one-da

Hail, excessive moisture, insects caused the most crop damage in Saskatchewan

Thunderstorms swept across parts of the province, bringing moisture along with some hail and that means some producers will be assessing crop damage over the next week to determine the impact on yields. According to the latest Saskatchewan Agriculture crop report, the most rainfall recorded was 115 millimetres (mm) in the Archerwill area, followed closely by the Beatty area with 85 mm. There was also notable rainfall in the Kinistino and Middle Lake areas with 75 mm and 65 mm, respectively. Despite heavy rainfall in some locations, overall provincial topsoil moisture conditions declined from the previous week’s report. Kim Stonehouse, a crops extension specialist, said other than hail, there were several other factors that contributed to crop damage. “There was also grasshopper and flea beetle activity that has persisted and is causing some minor damage in some dry areas,” Stonehouse said. “In West Central, East Central and Northeast regions producers are reporting minor damage fro

Tax credit expands meat processing facility

The province’s inviting and tax-friendly business environment, and abundant agricultural resources, make it one of North America’s best places to do business. In addition, the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit helps attract investment that will further diversify Alberta’s agriculture industry. Beretta Farms is the most recent company to qualify for the tax credit by expanding its existing facility with the potential to significantly increase production capacity. It invested more than $10.9 million in the project that is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 29,583 to 44,688 head of cattle per year. Eleven new employees were hired after the expansion and the company plans to hire ten more. Through the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, Alberta’s government has issued Beretta Farms a tax credit of $1,228,735. “The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit is building on Alberta’s existing competitive advantages for agri-food companies and the primary producers t

Massey Ferguson introduces the MF 8S Xtra featuring comfort and efficiency upgrades

Massey Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO (NYSE:AGCO), is proud to announce the introduction of its new MF 8S Xtra series, building on the success of the multi award-winning MF 8S models and featuring new styling, increased efficiency and even better operator comfort.

Four-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Hall of Fame Inductee, and Philanthropist Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser to speak at Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon

The Grape Growers of Ontario’s Celebrity Luncheon marks the opening of the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service