Ontario Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli to Address Renewables Industry and Communities on March 17th at OFIT Forum

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 10, 2014) - The Honourable Bob Chiarelli will provide the opening keynote to over 300 renewable energy developers, suppliers, aboriginal groups, municipalities and communities at the 5th Ontario FIT and Renewable Energy Forum at the Hilton Toronto on March 17^th.

Taking place at the Hilton Toronto from March 17-19, the Forum will provide the latest updates on Ontario's new Large Renewables Procurement program announced as part of the Long Term Energy Plan. Minister Chiarelli will be joined by the Ontario Power Authority's Director of Renewables Procurement, Shawn Cronkwright who will provide insight on large-scale and FIT project timelines and future contracts. In addition, senior representatives from key Ministries including Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources will be participating in an open Q&A with industry attendees to answer questions related to project permitting, contracts and future opportunities in the province.

To reflect the shifting dynamics of the Ontario's energy market, the theme of this year's Forum is Co-Creation through Communication, Consultation and Collaboration. Over 60 representatives from municipalities, aboriginal groups and communities across the province are attending this year's event in line with the increased emphasis on the role of communities in participating and approving renewable energy projects in Ontario. Many of these communities are interested in exploring partnership opportunities with developers for FIT and large-scale projects and all will be integral to the future success of projects. Click here to view a current list of communities and aboriginal groups attending the forum.

The Ontario FIT and Renewable Energy Forum continues to be the principal event for project developers, suppliers, investors and construction experts looking to understand the business opportunities and challenges of Canada's largest renewable energy market. It will feature the candid views and strategic insights of leading developers on the wind and solar side including SunEdison, BluEarth Renewables, Recurrent Energy, Suncor, Enbridge, Canadian Solar, Algonquin Power, Pattern Energy, TransAlta, GDF Suez, Potentia Solar, CarbonFree Technology and more.

This year's Forum also includes a full day dedicated to financing solutions for FIT projects at various stages and sizes. The FIT Finance Forum takes place on March 19^th at the Hilton Toronto and will bring together the most active debt and equity investors in FIT to discuss the opportunities and challenges for financing these projects. Among the investors participating are senior representatives from MUFG, Fiera Axium Infrastructure, Fengate Capital Management Ltd., Great Circle Solar Management Corporation, Manulife Financial Corporation, CIT Energy & Infrastructure, and Laurentienne Bank.

Siemens and KPMG are platinum sponsors of this year's Forum and are joined by a long list of industry supporters who have helped build Ontario's renewable energy industry. They include Senvion, Heliene Canada, Torys, Bennett Jones, SunRise Power, Hatch, MUFG, LCAB, ABB, SunEdison, Sussex, Schneider Electric, GE, Hy-Grade Precast Concrete, and HB White.

Visit www.ofit2014.com to view the full agenda and book your place.