Energy conservation seems to be the new buzzword for the Ontario government. The small Canadian province is set to offer tax credits to firms investing in energy-saving equipment and consumers buying solar panels.
Ontario energy minister John Baird said new investments in energy-saving equipment would be eligible for a 100 per cent waiver. Leading by example, the commissioner of alternative energy, Steve Gilchrist, said the government itself would reduce electricity consumption by 10 per cent.
"Our government will make sound investments and offer strategic support to make clean energy cheaper and affordable for everyone," said Baird. Earlier, the government's much-touted move towards energy deregulation to make the market competitive had resulted in spiralling electricity prices. This had in turn aroused public outrage. A freeze has now been announced on electricity rates until 2006.
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