In the next 15 years, almost two-thirds of Ontario’s base-load generation will need replacement. And, as electricity demand increases and supply shrinks, the need for action becomes urgent.

In December 2005, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) tabled a careful analysis of what is needed to ensure that Ontario will have a stable and reliable supply of electricity for the future. It recommended that, based on the evidence of past performance and costs, nuclear power continue to supply Ontario with at least 50 per cent of its electricity.

The OPA understands that Ontario's electricity system needs to have a balance, consisting of a mix of generation sources, including both nuclear power and renewables, working hand in hand with measures such as conservation and energy efficiency. But how do residents feel?

As the Government considers its next steps in addressing Ontario’s electricity needs and the important role nuclear will play, it can take comfort in knowing that public support for nuclear, particularly Canadian-made CANDU technology is increasing.

Following are some highlights from recent polling conducted Ipsos-Reid, on behalf of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) and AECL.

• 64% of Ontarians surveyed believe that renewable sources of energy, such as hydroelectric, wind and solar sources of energy, cannot on their own meet the rising demand for energy. (CNA, November 2005)
• Canadian support for nuclear increased from 35% to 50% between February 2005 and January 2006. In Ontario, support jumped from 48% to 60% during this same period. (CNA)
• In Ontario, 47% of those surveyed in January believe that nuclear should play a greater role in electricity production than it does today. This is an increase of 7% from February 2005. (CNA)
• 57% of Ontarians surveyed support new build nuclear as a means of meeting the Province’s growing electricity needs and 73% support refurbishing existing nuclear facilities. (January 2006, CNA)
• In Ontario, 70% of residents surveyed have a favourable impression of CANDU nuclear technology. (AECL, February 2006)
• 85% of Ontarians said that if the Government had a choice between Canadian-made CANDU nuclear technology and foreign technology, it should choose CANDU. (AECL, February 2006)
• When asked what positive things they associate with CANDU technology, Ontarians most often cite its good environmental record, safety and reliability. (AECL, February 2006)
• Of Ontarians surveyed, 75% believe that CANDU has a good overall track record in Ontario and 72% believe that CANDU is one of the world’s leading nuclear technologies. (AECL, February 2006)
• 66% of Ontario respondents said they expect the government to deal with the tough issues and start an environmental assessment for new build nuclear now so that the option is there when it’s needed. (AECL, February 2006)