OMA Applauds Government Action on the Northern Industrial Electricity Rate Program

Press Releases

June 03, 2015

Today’s passing of the Ontario Budget fulfills the government’s commitment to a permanent Northern Industrial Electricity Rate Program (NIERP). The NIERP assists Northern Ontario’s largest industrial electricity consumers, including mining companies, to reduce energy costs which in turn sustains jobs.

The OMA would like to thank the Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle for working together with industry to ensure Ontario remains the leading jurisdiction for the production of minerals in Canada and a major player across the world.

“This is good news for our sector and something the OMA has been advocating for” said Chris Hodgson, OMA President.

Energy is mining’s second highest component of operating cost after labour. As such, it represents a tremendous influence on mining development. Investment decisions, and the size and value of the economically-extractable resource, can significantly change based on the cost of electricity.

Photo: OMA members join Minister Gravelle and other large industrial representatives on April 7, 2015 in Thunder Bay for the NIERP announcement.

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