For Immediate Release
August 12, 2005
Toronto – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has republished its energy savings kit brochure on the eve of the second anniversary of the August 14, 2003 Blackout.
“Conservation has become a necessity in Ontario with frequent power shortages and increasing energy costs,” said Stuart Johnston, vice president of policy for the OCC. “Our members need to know how best to protect their businesses during shortages – and in the case of another major power outage.”
The pamphlet provides up-to-date information on the government’s recent efforts in restructuring the electricity system in Ontario, along with power saving tips and suggestions on preparing for a second major blackout.
“We’ve told the government that the shortage of available power in Ontario is becoming a major economic concern,” said Johnston. “We’ve asked them to consider new clean coal technology, new nuclear capacity – and to bring additional mothballed nuclear reactors back online.”
The OCC has advocated for the government to use all available options to increase the supply of energy and reconsider its policy of closing Ontario’s coal-fired generating stations. At the same time the Chamber will continue to work with its members to implement power saving techniques and to plan for potential contingencies.
The pamphlet will be made available to all OCC members through local chambers of commerce and boards of trade, and will be posted on the OCC website shortly.
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The OCC represents over 60,000 businesses through 160 local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, and has been the business advocate of choice since 1911. Its advocacy and policy initiatives focus on six areas key to the economic well-being of the province: health; education; energy; finance & taxation; transportation & infrastructure; and border issues.
For further information:
Brad Dugard
Director, Media Relations and Communications
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
(416) 482-5222, ext. 241
