A newly approved act will bring more natural gas to rural Ontario
Tens of thousands of rural Ontario residents could soon have a more affordable form of energy to heat their homes thanks to passage of the Access to Natural Gas Act by the Ontario Legislature.
The legislation paves the way for a new program designed to expand access to natural gas to more parts of rural and northern Ontario, as well as First Nations communities, according to a news release from the province of Ontario.
“Access to natural gas is not just a question of convenience. For many, it’s a choice between heating and eating,” Minister of Infrastructure of Ontario Monte McNaughton said. “Having access to natural gas makes life more affordable and puts more money in people’s pockets.”
Switching to natural gas from propane, electric heat or oil could save an average residential customer between $800 and $2,500 a year, the news release stated. This builds on the government’s cancellation of the cap-and-trade carbon tax, which will save families on average $80 per year and small businesses $285 per year, it said.
The new program should help the private sector expand access to natural gas for up to 78 new communities in Ontario. That means approximately 33,000 new households could potentially save up to $2,500 per year in energy costs, according to the release.
“What really sets this program apart is our government’s ability to strategically partner with the private sector, which will help us get the job done for the people of Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, minister of energy, northern development and mines. “We believe that a market solution, a private-sector alternative, can keep more money in your pocket instead of using taxpayer dollars.”
Ernie Hardeman, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, said the passage of the act is important for both families and businesses. “Providing more access to natural gas will help lower the cost of living. It will give people more money to re-invest in the local economy and help Ontario communities attract more businesses, create jobs and ensure that Ontario is open for business,” he said.