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Our Advocacy
Making change happen
At OREC, we’re more than just a renewable energy cooperative—we’re a voice for change.
Here are recent posts of OREC advocating on behalf of our members and engaging with decision-makers who shape Ontario’s energy future.
How Supportive Is Ontario of Renewable Energy Co-ops? A New National Index Shows the Gaps and Opportunities
A new national report just launched by the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (CECC) offers the first-ever snapshot of how...
John Kirkwood
12 hours ago2 min read
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Hydro Ottawa’s rate plan falls short on community power innovation: Where are the DER solutions?
Hydro Ottawa’s new rate plan includes big spending—but little action on local clean energy. Despite calls to adopt a modern “DSO” model that uses solar, storage, and other community solutions to reduce costs, the utility offers few concrete plans. OREC is calling for transparency and real investment in distributed energy. Read our blog and take action to push for a smarter, more affordable grid.
John Kirkwood
May 313 min read
86
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Ontario announces new 2.2 MW Community Solar project! Oh wait, that's Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia just approved a 2.2 MW community solar garden—exactly the kind of project we can’t do in Ontario today. Their Community Solar Program lets everyday residents subscribe to local clean energy, no rooftop needed. It’s simple, scalable, and a model we urgently need here too.
Graham Findlay
May 171 min read
75
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Ontario’s upcoming 'Local Generation Program' matters. A lot.
Ontario’s new Local Generation Program could be a game-changer for community power. It would extend the life of existing solar and wind projects and support new, larger-scale renewable energy—owned by communities, for communities. We’ve shared our thoughts with the IESO.
John Kirkwood
May 81 min read
230
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IESO responds to our submission on Ottawa Electricity Planning
OREC's advocacy is shaping Ottawa’s energy future. Read the IESO’s response to our push for local, sustainable energy solutions.
John Kirkwood
Apr 81 min read
62
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Letter to Minister of Energy requesting permission for Community Net Metering (2022)
Allowing shared solar credits across meters could cut costs for co-ops & condos. Let’s fix Ontario’s net metering regulations.
Dick Bakker
Apr 82 min read
46
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Our Feedback: Ontario's proposed Integrated Energy Resource Plan
OREC advocates for community-led renewable energy, proposing policy changes to enable local, resilient energy solutions
Roger Peters
Apr 317 min read
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Why is Ontario afraid of small (but powerful) electricity solutions?
Ontario's new energy program offers $10K for solar & batteries—but bans net-metering. A win for the grid, but a loss for homeowners. Why?
Dick Bakker
Apr 32 min read
46
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Virtual Power Plants cut costs & boost resilience—why not in Ontario?
VPPs are helping communities keep the lights on and save - why not in Ontario?
Dick Bakker
Dec 20, 20243 min read
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Can solar + batteries operate our Disaster Recovery Centres for free?
Adding battery storage systems to Ontario's electricity system enables communities to be more resilient to power disruptions.
Dick Bakker
Dec 9, 20243 min read
91
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Why do we need Community Solar in Ontario?
Community solar directly benefits the communities that install them. What is Community Solar? Community Solar is a gateway for homeowners...
Roger Peters
Dec 9, 20243 min read
59
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When Ontario’s Minister of Energy & Electrification asks you for advice…
Dear Minister,
It was a pleasure to meet with you at the AMO Annual Conference where you asked me for our recommendations on DER...
John Kirkwood
Sep 10, 20245 min read
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