For Immediate Release - January 26, 2025
The Government of Ontario recently announced a new $10,000 solar and battery rebate as part of the Home Renovation Savings Program.
Although it may look like a bright idea to make life more affordable, the fine print is certain to cast a shadow over solar adoption. While the program appears to provide lower energy costs for Ontario home owners, its exclusion of solar net metering will undermine its very purpose, tethering Ontarians to fossil fuels at their higher cost.
Think of solar net metering as a two-way street: homeowners generate electricity with solar panels, and when they produce more than they need, they send the surplus to the grid to power their community, earning credits on their hydro bill. It’s a win-win. Without net metering, however, this system becomes a one-way dead end that leads straight back to fossil fuel dependency.
The current proposal, which prohibits net metering for rebate recipients, raises questions about who truly benefits. Is this a genuine push for more local clean power for the people or a veiled effort to keep the fossil gas industry making profits? As it stands, the cost of solar and battery storage is about $0.12/kWh compared to fossil gas peaking power at $0.22/kWh. Yet, eliminating net metering ensures more fossil gas is burned, driving up costs and emissions for all of Ontario. Essentially, the $10,000 rebate money is being transferred to Enbridge Gas, who is administering the Home Renovation Savings Program in partnership with SaveOnEnergy, a trademark of the Independent Electricity System Operator.
This is like asking Ontarians to install a rainwater collection system but then forbidding them from using the overflow to water their community garden. It makes no sense unless you’re in the business of selling water.
Premier Ford’s recognition of solar as a local, affordable energy solution is commendable. But with Enbridge Gas administering the program, it feels like letting the fox guard the henhouse. Enbridge’s interest in sidelining net metering is clear. Every kilowatt-hour of excess solar power exported to the grid is one less kilowatt-hour of fossil gas they can sell at premium, peak-demand rates.
We urge the Ontario Energy Board to ensure net metering remains a cornerstone of renewable energy adoption. Let’s make it clear: Ontarians deserve the right to share their power, not just generate it. Cutting off net metering is like cutting the anchor from a ship. It leaves Ontario homeowners adrift in a sea of fossil fuel dependency.
Let people take control of their energy bills, fight climate change, and invest in a cleaner, more affordable future for everyone. Net metering isn’t a loophole. It’s a lifeline.
The time to act is now. Premier Ford, will you stand with Ontarians or with the fossil gas giants?
Steve Dyck
President
"The sun shines for everyone - it is a very democratic power system. I am committed to a fair and just society and installing solar in my community is an expression of this hope." - Steve
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