Atlantic Energy Ministers wrapped up a meeting today with a pledge to increase co-operation on energy efficiency.
The ministers are following up on a recommendation made at the June meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers to jointly develop and implement an energy efficiency awareness campaign. Ministers agreed that this initiative, combined with other measures in each of the provinces, will help Atlantic Canadians, who like all other Canadians, are facing increased energy costs.
Host Minister Bruce Fitch of New Brunswick said it is more important than ever to establish this common front considering the ever-increasing price of fuels such as oil and other fossil fuels, and the need to do more to protect the environment in keeping with national and regional environment programs.
“We are pleased to be embarking on this common goal among Atlantic ministers on this very important issue,” Minister Fitch said. “I have always said that the most affordable kilowatt hour of electricity is the one you don’t use, and we feel there is a great deal we can do together to educate the public on energy efficiency opportunities.”
Energy efficiency programs are needed to help address the growing demand for electricity, which could increase by as much as 1,000 megawatts in Atlantic Canada in the next 10 years. Reduction of emissions is also a direct result.
Nova Scotia Energy Minister Cecil Clarke said he is pleased with the regional approach.
“We have already seen the benefit of tackling issues on a regional basis since the Atlantic Ministers of Energy Forum was formed and I am convinced that energy efficiency is one of the most important issues we can address together,” Minister Clark said.
Jamie Ballem, Minister of Energy, Environment and Forestry for Prince Edward Island, said he is also looking forward to having his department contribute to a regional awareness campaign.
“Our province has a strong record on energy efficiency and renewable energy development. We are pleased to be able to do our part to assist in developing a comprehensive campaign that will bring energy efficiency methods to the forefront,” Minister Ballem said.
Newfoundland and Labrador also committed to participate fully in the energy efficiency working group which will develop the detailed campaign, so that it will cover the entire Atlantic region.
Ministers also agreed to increase co-operation on renewable energy.
While each of the individual provinces has, or is developing, its own strategy for renewable energy, ministers recognized the potential benefits of greater sharing of renewable energy on a regional basis. They agreed to explore a framework to help achieve this goal.
This was the sixth meeting of Atlantic Ministers of Energy. The Atlantic Energy Ministers Forum was created by Council of Atlantic Premiers. It advocates regional co-operation on electricity, oil and gas, renewable energy and other energy initiatives.