Wind energy drives jobs and local benefits at prices that are competitive with other new sources of electricity

OTTAWA, May 10, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Investments in wind energy are creating thousands of jobs, driving hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits for rural communities, and creating a cleaner environment - at prices that are competitive with other new sources of electricity, says the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) in response to recent statements about the cost of electricity by Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak.

"Ontarians are not paying more for clean energy, they are paying more for new energy," said Robert Hornung, president of the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). "Utilities around the world are investing in wind energy because it has already demonstrated it is cost competitive with a number of technologies and will become even more cost-competitive in the future. Over the long term, the cost of wind energy is projected to continue to decline while the costs of other technologies are projected to grow in response to increased fuel costs or environmental regulations like carbon pricing."

While it is true that the price of electricity in Ontario is rising, this price increase is the product of several factors, explained Hornung, including the need for investments in new electricity supply and infrastructure to ensure a safe, reliable and more environmentally sustainable electricity system in Ontario.

"The recent price hikes we have seen in Ontario have nothing to do with the prices being paid for new wind energy generation under the Green Energy Act, as only a very small number of projects are operating at this time," he added. "Transparency, competition and future lower prices are principles our industry can work with, but let's ensure we're all starting with the same facts."

CanWEA is the voice of the wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy throughout Canada on behalf of its more than 400 members. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada's leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. The document Wind Vision 2025 - Powering Canada's Future is available at www.canwea.ca