Ontario Clean Air Alliance and Energy Probe
February 16, 1999

Ontario Hydro’s emissions of nitrogen oxide from its coal and oil-fired units jumped by 30% in 1998, from 43 kilotonnes in 1997 to 56 kilotonnes, based on preliminary data from Ontario Hydro.

Ontario Hydro’s emissions of sulphur dioxide also increased by 15% in 1998 from 124 kilotonnes in 1997 to 143 kilotonnes.

Nitrogen oxide emissions are rising against a backdrop of the utility’s commitment to decrease nitrogen oxide emissions to 38 kilotonnes in the year 2000.

Under the longstanding "Countdown Acid Rain" regulation, Ontario Hydro’s total emissions are legally limited to 215 kilotonnes of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide combined. In 1998, total emissions were 199.6 kilotonnes.

"Environmental solutions for smog are cheap and available. According to a study released by the Ontario Clean Air Alliance in November, Ontario Hydro’s nitrogen oxides emissions can be reduced by 77% for a cost of only $1.86 per month for a typical residential customer", said Jack Gibbons, Chair of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance. These emission reductions can be achieved, between 2002 and 2014, by using natural gas instead of coal to generate electricity. "Cleaner air is on sale for the cost of a cup of coffee and a donut", Mr. Gibbons noted.

"Ontario Hydro’s attempt to cut coal emissions by relying on its faltering nuclear program, which failed in 1998 to meet its recovery program production targets, instead of by cleaning up its fossil program or finding sustainable alternatives, threatens the province’s air quality", said Tom Adams, Executive Director of Energy Probe.

For further information contact:

Jack Gibbons, Chair, Ontario Clean Air Alliance at 923-3529 ext. 23

For more information, please contact Tom Adams, Executive Director, Energy Probe Research Foundation, phone 416 964 923 ext. 239, fax 416 964 8239

Energy Probe Research Foundation is a non-profit organization supported by 18,000 Canadians and dedicated to consumer and environmental protection and advocates the phaseout of nuclear power for a safer, cleaner and more economical energy future.