Quebec, Ontario could save $12 billion
Quebec, Ontario could save $12 billion each co-ordinating
nuclear, hydro resources.
It doesn't make sense to sell gasoline for twice as much in
some provinces as others, and it doesn't make sense to do
it for electricity.
Electricity costs less than 5 cents a kilowatt hour in Quebec
and more than 10 cents a kilowatt hour in Ontario, many
regions of the country now have something to gain from
greater energy co-operation:
- Alberta and Saskatchewan want to pipe oil to the east
coast through Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick (and
expand pipelines through B.C);
- Ontario would benefit from low-cost Quebec hydro power
- Quebec is embarking on a cap-and-trade carbon market
venture, but has no Canadian partners.
Quebec is currently considering three additional projects to
expand its links to the Northeastern U.S., where it already
exports large amounts of power.
Ontario should scrap plans to refurbish the Darlington
nuclear plant, which is due to begin in 2016. The lowest
possible cost for power from the overhauled plants is 8.3
cents a kwh. Quebec's 5 cents a kilowatt hour sounds a lot
better for the Ontario consumer.
Quebec would save $1.2 billion if the savings were divided
between Quebec and Ontario, each province would gain
$12 billion over 20 years.There is a lot of money sitting on
the table, waiting to be grabbed. Boosting transmission links
between Ontario and Quebec could increase the trade, and
the savings, even further.
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