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Decentralized Democracy

Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 172

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
April 15, 2024
Affordable Energy Act, 2024
  • This Act, called the Affordable Energy Act of 2024, aims to make energy more affordable for Ontarians by promoting the use of distributed energy resources and deep retrofits in buildings. It includes provisions for creating a plan to improve energy affordability, establishing an agency called Affordable Energy Ontario, and outlining regulations for implementing the Act. The Act focuses on reducing energy costs, increasing access to renewable energy sources, and improving the resiliency of buildings in the face of power disruptions caused by extreme weather events.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 172, the Affordable Energy Act of 2024, could be as follows: The Affordable Energy Act of 2024 aims to address the issue of unaffordable energy costs for many Ontarians, particularly those with low or fixed incomes. By promoting the use of distributed energy resources and supporting deep retrofits in buildings, the Act seeks to stabilize energy bills, make energy more affordable, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar panels, offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional energy sources like natural gas. As the cost of distributed energy resources continues to decrease, they present a viable solution to volatile energy costs. Additionally, deep retrofits in buildings can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs, contributing to overall energy affordability. By empowering Ontarians to benefit from distributed energy resources and promoting deep retrofitting of buildings, the Act not only addresses energy affordability but also enhances energy resilience in the face of extreme weather events. Furthermore, the Act supports job creation, economic development, and the provision of unionized employment, aligning with broader societal goals. Overall, the Affordable Energy Act of 2024 represents a comprehensive approach to improving energy affordability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering a more sustainable energy future for Ontario.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A steelman argument opposing Bill 172, the Affordable Energy Act, 2024, from a right-wing anti-government perspective could be as follows: While the intentions behind the Affordable Energy Act may seem noble on the surface, the proposed measures are deeply flawed and represent government overreach into the energy sector. Here are some key points to consider: 1. **Government Interference**: The Act seeks to establish an Agency, Affordable Energy Ontario, with broad powers to oversee and finance programs related to distributed energy resources and deep retrofits. This expansion of government bureaucracy will only lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and unnecessary regulations that stifle innovation and economic growth. 2. **Subsidies and Mandates**: By promoting the use of distributed energy resources and deep retrofits through subsidies and regulatory requirements, the Act distorts the free market. This approach goes against the principles of limited government intervention and individual choice. It is not the government's role to pick winners and losers in the energy sector. 3. **Cost Burden on Taxpayers**: The Act proposes to allocate public funds for the purposes of the Agency, which will ultimately burden taxpayers with additional costs. This is a classic example of government waste and mismanagement, as history has shown that government-run programs often end up costing more than initially projected. 4. **Unionized Employment Mandate**: The Act includes provisions to ensure that unionized workers are hired for projects financed or facilitated by the Agency. This preference for union labor not only limits competition but also raises concerns about cronyism and favoritism in the allocation of public resources. 5. **Impact on Energy Affordability**: While the Act claims to improve energy affordability, the reality is that government interventions in the energy sector often lead to higher costs for consumers. By artificially promoting certain energy sources and retrofitting requirements, the Act may actually drive up energy prices and hinder economic development. In conclusion, the Affordable Energy Act, 2024, represents a misguided attempt by the government to micromanage the energy sector and impose its agenda on Ontarians. A more effective approach would be to promote free-market solutions, competition, and innovation without resorting to heavy-handed regulations and taxpayer-funded subsidies.
Second Reading
  • April 15, 2024, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
April 15, 2024
First Reading
  • March 7, 2024, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 07, 2024