The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is urging farmers to make sure they re-submit their microfit solar applications in order to be eligible for the original price rate offer in the microfit solar energy program.
Earlier this month, the Ontario Power Authority announced it will maintain microfit rates for thousands of applicants. The OFA reminds members the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) also set a deadline of Sept. 7 for farmers who had originally submitted applications prior to July 2, at 12pm to re-submit their applications to be eligible for the 80.2 cent per kWh commitment.
Farmers can also contact their original supplier to enquire if that has been completed on their behalf.
“We worked hard with the Ontario Government to maintain their commitment and we are pleased they’ve listened,” said OFA president Bette Jean Crews. “Farmers need to resubmit their applications for ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar panels now to take advantage of the initial program offer.”
On Aug. 13, the OPA and the Liberal government announced it would reinstate the original microfit pay offer for applications received prior to July 2. An overview of the changes is posted to the microfit website at microfit.powerauthority.on.ca.
There, Ontarians can learn more about the OPA’s microfit updates, including new application requirements, new program rules, a summary of changes and instructions to apply. Applications received after the deadline will be eligible for the new rate of only 64.2 cents per kilowatt hour.
The microfit program offers a beneficial way for rural Ontario to provide a stable source of renewable energy development for the province. Thousands of OFA members applied to participate in the program as a way to be a part of the government’s plan to create renewable energy.
For more information on how the change affects Ontario farmers, call the local OFA member service representative or the OFA head office in Guelph at 519-821-8883.
