Frustrated with the province’s ever-changing approach to approval of green energy projects, councillors here are calling for clear and consistent guidelines for the next round of Feed-In Tariff (FIT) applications.
Deputy mayor Terry Fisk called the FIT program “a disaster” after learning Minto’s most recent application appears to have been dismissed over minor wording issues.
“When we started down this road 18 months ago, or whatever it was, it was really exciting and I was looking forward to what the outcome might be,” Fisk began.
“Quite frankly I find the whole process quite monotonous now and I wish the government would wash their hands of it and let private enterprise take over and maybe get the job done properly, because this is utter nonsense.
“It just goes on and on and on. All it does is generate paper and it’s a waste of everybody’s time. It’s a disaster.”
In a report to council at the Oct. 1 meeting, CAO Bill White explained seven applications from Minto for solar panels on municipal structures were rejected, despite significant efforts by council, staff and community members to meet tight deadlines and strict guidelines.
White pointed out council worked with energy supplier Sun Saver 2 and the community to submit seven site applications under the last FIT application window, which closed Jan. 18.
Part of the process involved forming a Minto Green Energy Co-op to obtain priority points under the application procedure in place at that time. At a Jan. 14 meeting over 60 Minto landowners, interested in supporting solar power and possibly investing in future solar projects, joined the co-op.
Hosting the solar panels on buildings such as local arenas and public works sheds was anticipated to bring in annual rental income of up to $100,000 for the municipality.
On May 23 the town received a denial of all seven applications, “which caused everyone involved to become somewhat upset and ask why,” said White.
He noted the responses indicated the program was “over-subscribed” and “applications with any potential discrepancy were set aside without detailed review.
“It appears Minto’s applications fell into this category due to ‘discrepancies’ in references such as ‘Town of Minto’ versus ‘Minto Town.’”
Mayor George Bridge said, “I’ve said this before, but I think the government has come up with ways to make it so restrictive that the program has basically been cancelled … but they don’t want to come up to the plate and say it’s been cancelled.”
White said new guidelines for a FIT 3 program have been issued and the community has been encouraged to apply. However, he noted the window of opportunity closes Nov. 4, but rates the OPA will pay for power generated through the program won’t be announced until the end of November.
“So you’re going to apply for something [but] you’re not going to know what you’re going to get back in terms of return,” the CAO pointed out.
Despite the problems, Bridge said, “I think we should explore the next level.”
White recommended staff and council representatives meet with Sun Saver officials to discuss further applications.
Council voted to receive White’s report, including a provision to send comments to the Ontario Power Authority indicating:
– the feed in tariff rates for FIT 3.0 should be announced prior to the application period so municipalities have sufficient time to assess their level of economic interest;
– changes should be made to create administrative efficiencies around municipal support resolutions for applications already submitted, and such resolutions should be read as to intent and purpose, rather than simply format; and
– any applicants denied be given clear reasons for denial, an opportunity to correct any misinterpretation, and a chance to appeal the decision.
