TORONTO — A plan to expand several energy conservation projects provincewide, including one to get fridges dating back to the `60s and `70s out of homes, was met with lukewarm response by some environmentalists and the opposition.

Premier Dalton McGuinty announced Friday that three separate programs will be rolled out next summer including one where hydro companies offer cash rebates for old beer fridges.

While the programs are a step in the right direction, they still don't go far enough, said Keith Stewart of World Wildlife Fund Canada's climate change program.

New efficiency rules and standards for appliances and electronics would go a lot further, he said.

"They really need to be updated. If we start seeing those types of announcements then I will be jumping for joy,'' Stewart said.

He suggested Energy Star -- the international symbol of energy efficiency, which is typically between 10 and 50 percent more efficient than a conventional model, be used as the minimum standard for appliances and electronics sold in the province.

"So when people buy a new fridge it's the most energy efficient one possible because they're going to have that fridge for a long time.''

Friday's announcement will also expand a peak reduction program, which was pilot tested in Toronto last summer.

Pre-subscribed homes will have the temperature of their air-conditioner reduced slightly during high demand periods via a device controlled by the local power company.

The final project offers homeowners a cash reward for using 10 per cent less energy during the summer months.

While the government was unable to give specific figures on how many megawatts the programs would save, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan said it would be "substantial.''

"These programs have worked everywhere they've been put into place and result in real savings,'' he said.

Still, New Democrat Peter Tabuns called the plan "backwards.''

He accused the Liberals of spending one dollar on conservation for every $40 planned for nuclear power.

"If you're actually going to deal with the electricity crunch in this province you have to put efficiency at the centre, not at the periphery,'' he said.

McGuinty defended the programs, saying they are part of a wider plan to create a culture of conservation among Ontario residents.

He said they will go a long way to ensuring Ontario has enough power in the years ahead.

To meet the province's upcoming power crunch, the government announced a $46-billion plan last June. It includes $20 billion for nuclear power, $20 billion on renewable sources and $6 billion on conservation efforts.

However, critics and industry insiders say new nuclear power would cost close to $40 billion.