Smart expansion is the key to providing natural gas

By Pat Jilesen, Director, OFA

To The Haldimand Press

Greater access to natural gas has significant implications for Ontario farmers, and is an infrastructure priority for our province. We know it’s a more affordable option. It will dramatically boost business opportunities by significantly lowering energy costs for farms and rural communities. In fact, it’s estimated that the energy savings for Ontario’s farm sector alone would be up to $200 million every year.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has advocated for the need for natural gas across the province, including rural and northern regions, for many years. And there have been announcements by the provincial government that are promising for agriculture and our rural communities.

Energy is one of the largest costs for rural homes, farms, and small businesses. If natural gas was available across the province, it would free up $1.1 billion in annual energy savings for an estimated 500,000 residents, farms, and business owners. Those energy savings would generate significant direct and indirect economic benefits to communities across Ontario.