FIT Program Review Consultation Process & Timelines
Let your voice be heard and be a part of this factual, constructive and collaborative approach!
The CanSIA FIT Review Consultation Process is a factual, constructive and collaborative way for CanSIA members to make their voice heard and provide input to the Ministry of Energy. The Ministry has reached out directly to CanSIA, as the trusted and credible voice of the solar industry, in order to ensure that the solar industry is best heard and its views represented and considered during this Review.
On October 31, 2011 the Ontario Ministry of Energy officially launched the FIT Program Review. The Ministry has indicated its interest in receiving input on a variety of topics, including tariff amounts, manufacturing retention and growth, new technologies, local input, and the Renewable Energy Approvals process.
In anticipation of this FIT Program Review, in October 2011 CanSIA established FIT Review Working Groups to provide all members with an opportunity to have their voice heard and get engaged in this process (See below). The Working Groups consist of the following:
1. Micro-Scale (< 10 kW)
2. Small PV (< 500 kW)
3. Large PV (e.g. Utility Scale)
4. Solar Thermal
5. Manufacturers Working Group
6. Technical Working Group
The end goal is to have a very comprehensive FIT Program Review Final Submission created by CanSIA and its members that provides the Ministry of Energy and the Ontario Power Authority with factual and constructive FIT Program considerations and recommendations. The ‘Tasks and Timelines; section below outlines the exact process that CanSIA is executing and the ‘Principles’ CanSIA is abiding by during his process are also listed below.
Take advantage of CanSIA’s status as the trusted and credible voice of the solar industry! If you wish to join one of CanSIA’s FIT Review Working Groups and to be a part of this collaborative approach please contact Emily Wood at ewood@cansia.ca.
CanSIA’s Engagement Principles
CanSIA’s Principles while engaging in this FIT Review Process consist of:
- Maintain a stable and sustainable solar industry that meets customer and stakeholder expectations.
- Establish prices that earn a fair return for industry members, while accelerating grid parity.
- Enhance opportunities for Ontario job creation and community economic development.
- Honour investments made, or to be made, by industry based on contracted agreements.
- Foster manufacturing, encourage innovation and commercialize viable solar energy technologies.
- Accommodate multiple business models, sizes and scales within the Ontario market place.
Tasks and Timelines
- CanSIA establishes and populates FIT Review Working Groups. WG Chairs, in addition to Lead WG members are also established.
CONCLUDED – October 2011 - Initial CanSIA FIT Review Survey is circulated and member input is provided.
CONCLUDED – October 2011 - CanSIA Board and Staff meet with Fareed Amin and Ministry of Energy’s FIT Program Review team to establish relationship, and share initial thoughts and discuss CanSIA’s consultation process.
CONCLUDED – November 3, 2011 - Various Working Group meetings conducted.
CONCLUDED – Week of November 7 - 11, 2011 - Micro-Scale Survey circulated and input from members received.
CONCLUDED – November 10, 2011 - FIRST DRAFT DOCUMENT - CanSIA FIT Review Working Groups Initial 2 Pager Draft Documents (90% Drafts)
CONCLUDED – November 11, 2011 - Micro-Scale Working Group Meeting with Ministry of Energy
CONCLUDED – November 16, 2011 - Corporate 1 & 2 CanSIA Members - Industry Leaders FIT Review Consultation Reception
CONCLUDED – November 23, 2011 - Small PV Working Group Meeting with Ministry of Energy
CONCLUDED – November 24, 2011 - Large PV Working Group Meeting with Ministry of Energy
CONCLUDED – November 25, 2011 - Various Working Group meetings conducted and ongoing.
CONCLUDED – November 14 to December 2, 2011 - SECOND DRAFT DOCUMENTS – Working Groups to consider Ministry of Energy Feedback and submit Second WG Draft Document (95% Draft)
TO BE CONCLUDED – December 5, 2011 - Fareed Amin to Participate in Various Meetings CanSIA Solar Canada 2011
TO BE CONCLUDED – December 6, 2011 - FINAL DRAFT DOCUMENT – CanSIA FIT Program Review Final Submission draft document encompassing all WG Feedback (99% Draft)
TO BE CONCLUDED – December 9, 2011 - Final Review of CanSIA FIT Program Review – Final Submission (Encompassing all WG Feedback) by Ontario PV Caucus and all Working Groups
TO BE CONCLUDED – December 12, 2011 - CanSIA FIT Program Review – Final Submission sent to Ministry of Energy and OPA (100% Submission)
TO BE CONCLUDED – December 14, 2011 - Follow up Meeting between CanSIA and the Ministry of Energy
TO BE CONCLUDED – December 15 – 16, 2011
Appendix A – CanSIA Consultation FIT Review Structure
