The Ontario Liberals have tabled their much anticipated Green Energy Act at Queen’s Park, and those who work in the environmental field couldn’t be happier. That happiness vibe is also felt here at Green-Up.

I  liked several aspects of the act, but the parts promising more renewable energy were especially of note.

Finally, money will be spent that will encourage more people to jump on board the renewable energy bandwagon. It’s exciting that the government wants to invest in our power grid to make it easier for homeowners to put power back into the grid, instead of just taking away.

I tuned into the news conference and was impressed by Minister Smitherman made the remark that solar panels would soon be the standard on neighborhood roofs across Ontario.

Former Green-Up Energy Advisor, Vince Hughes, completes a blower door test as part of an energy evaluation at a Peterborough area home.

It’s encouraging that the act will provide funding for homeowners who wish to install renewable energy systems in their homes and that one piece of blanket legislation will make it easier for renewable energy projects, such as wind turbines, to be developed. This has been a concern from some communities, but overall I think this will be good.

Another positive aspect was the requirement for an energy evaluation each time a house is put on the market. This has been a cause for debate, but I see it as protection for homeowners. When you buy a major appliance, car, etc you demand to know how energy efficient it is…shouldn’t the same be true for your home, one of the biggest purchases of your life? I think so.  This will also create jobs, as new energy advisers must be added to perform the evaluations.

Renewable power, more efficient homes and new jobs are all things that could benefit Ontario in the future, should this piece of legislation get the “green” light. Pun intended.

-Matt