British Energy Expert Warns Of Hydro Privitisation In Ontario Hearing

WINDSOR, Ont. (CP) - Ontario risks sharp hydro price increases if it gives the private sector a greater role in the electricity market, says a British expert on energy markets. Stephen Thomas of the University of Greenwich issued the warning in a report presented Monday to a legislature committee that's holding hearings across Ontario on a government plan to overhaul the province's electricity network. Later in the article, Dwight Duncan, IIRC the man who proposed a national energy grid, reveals his view on the ability of the public sector to do anything but deliver power: "Duncan said he read Thomas's paper, but couldn't see what data the energy expert was using to draw his conclusions. "In my view, to go back to that old model which left us with a $38-billion unfunded liability, left us with the worst nuclear assets in the world, left us with the dirtiest coal plants, it's just not in the cards," said Duncan. "We believe that in order to generate the investment we need, it's tomfoolery to suggest that OPG can do it." "However, Thomas said Ontario Power Generation should be relied upon to carry out the investment in new power generation, rather than the government opening up the process to other companies. The standing committee's hearings, which kicked off Aug. 16, continue through this week." To read the entire article: http://www.canada.com/news/national/story.html?id=f0d49c80-a5ae-4f07-902c-74894873ca0a