Response to the Draft Energy Policy from Woodstock Sustainable Energy Group
May 4, 2011
We recognize the solid work done by the Energy Policy Commission as presented in the draft report stemming from the public consultations, and we thank the Commission of it.
The Commission has asked whether the consultation participants see the draft report reflecting their contributions. We are sorry to say that we do not see the contribution of the Woodstock Sustainable Energy Group clearly reflected in the EPC draft report.
Our contribution concentrated on a vision of transition to renewable energy technologies for electricity generation over a 30 year period, but clearly starting within the 10 year timeframe of the Commission’s mandate. We do not see a clear recognition of the need to start now with significant steps in this direction. If we miss this opportunity to put policies in place now that seriously prepares for the longer range transition, New Brunswick will be left flat footed as the advances in renewable energy technology move rapidly into the field.
We appreciate that virtually all of the recommendations in the draft report will make existing energy systems operate more efficiently and serve New Brunswickers better. In fact, they form a rather admirable “maintenance plan” for the energy sector.
However, they comprise only one part of an effective energy policy. What’s missing is the “Vision”. What type of energy sector is needed in the long haul, long after this planning period is complete? The energy policy needs to include additional recommendations that will build toward that vision.
Taken by themselves, the 49 recommendations suggest an energy future that is very similar to today’s, consisting of central electricity generation with long transmission/distribution systems and exploitation and processing of our natural resources to be sold for the benefit of others in exchange for royalty dollars. This has been the approach to New Brunswick’s energy and natural resources for the last four decades and has created a $5 billion debt. It has also resulted in a fleet of behemoth electricity generators that for the most part can not compete with electricity rates available from neighbouring provinces.
Over the years, New Brunswick has been trying to compete by artificially and politically manipulating electric rates. This in large part has created the debt. Even with the debt, monies have not been set aside to refurbish or decommission the generators at the end of their useful life.
The world of energy generation is transforming quickly. Most of the world has recognized that the sunshine, wind, moving water and biomass that is all around us has more than enough energy for our needs. All we have to do is harness it at the locations where we need it.
Distributed energy generation in the form solar panels, residential and small business scale wind generators, pellet stoves and generators and micro-hydraulic projects are already available to harness ambient energy. They are being improved all the time. However, they are barely mentioned in the draft recommendations.
These technologies are at about the same state of practical application as the automobile was 100 years ago. In 1911, people were familiar with automobiles, but cars were mostly a novelty for those who could afford them. Most of the population still relied on horse drawn wagons or trains for transportation.
By the 1940’s, cars and trucks were everywhere and it was hard to imagine not having them. The regions of the world that did not recognize that upcoming transformation and plan for it in the 1910’s and 1920’s were left behind.
Distributed energy generation on individual homes, businesses and farms are headed in the same direction that automobiles were a century ago. If we do not recognize this transformation and prepare for it in the 2010’s, New Brunswick will be left behind. In 2040, we will still be wallowing by trying to support the behemoth generators or relying on our neighbouring provinces to provide our energy.
The need for New Brunswick to move toward distributed renewable energy generation was brought to the attention of the Energy Policy Commission by Woodstock’s Sustainable Energy Group, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Falls Brook Centre and many others during the public engagement process.
New Brunswick’s Energy Policy needs to be more than a maintenance plan. It must have a “vision” that includes distributed renewable energy. By doing so, our Province will rely on our own resources, including sun, wind, water, and biomass, at a locations and scales that makes sense to the end user. To do otherwise, New Brunswick will fall behind the energy curve that will be set by regions with vision.
We ask that the Commission revisit their draft report with a view to including recommendations on:
- Policies for placing distributed generation on a development track to meet a 30 year goal of maximum feasible conversion for the Province.
- Policies for establishing Energy Financing Districts with regard to renewable energy technology retrofits;
- Policies for beginning a systematic conversion of all Provincially owned buildings to on-site renewable energy technologies;
- Policies that create incentives for the growth of employment in the renewable energy sector.
Woodstock Sustainable Energy Group
May 4, 2011
Sam Arnold, Coordinator
506-328-9420