EnviroCentre Comment on the…

EnviroCentre Comment on the 2025–2036 Electricity Energy Efficiency Framework Proposal

EnviroCentre commends Ontario’s decision to expand its electricity efficiency programs. This long-term framework promises the stability and predictability necessary for sustained, impactful progress in energy affordability and demand management.

Key Framework Insights: The inclusion of diverse groups, such as income-qualified households and on-reserve First Nations communities, reflects a crucial commitment to inclusive energy efficiency.

Recommendations

Prioritize Energy Equity for Underserved Communities

Ontario should focus on energy equity by launching programs, like an Energy Mentor Program, specifically targeting underserved households. Similar initiatives across Canada and the U.S. show that many participants lack basic energy literacy, often unaware of available energy rebates. BC’s Empower Me and Alberta’s comparable programs demonstrate the effectiveness of culturally relevant, multilingual energy literacy support. For example, 64% of Empower Me participants had never accessed energy rebates before, but nearly half expressed interest in doing so post-program. These community-centered models could be incorporated into Ontario’s Home Winterproofing and Energy Affordability Programs, bridging accessibility gaps while promoting significant efficiency gains.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) serves as another successful model, weatherizing over 7 million homes since its inception and achieving 20–30% annual energy savings. A similar targeted approach in Ontario could improve energy equity and drive meaningful engagement in low-income and underserved communities.

Support New Construction with Conservation and Demand Management (CDM)

With Ontario’s goal of 1.5 million new homes in the next decade, a dedicated CDM program focused on new construction is essential. By prioritizing energy-efficient solutions like ground-source and air-source heat pumps and advanced insulation, Ontario can manage energy demand in new builds, fostering long-term affordability and supporting sustainable development goals.

Expand Heat Pump Access with a Focus on Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs)

Expanding heat pump initiatives province-wide, particularly in multi-unit residential buildings that house one-third of Ontarians, is key to reducing peak demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Programs like the Clean Home Heating Initiative show that heat pumps can provide cost-effective, climate-friendly heating solutions. Prioritizing low-income access within these streams will further an equitable energy transition, helping Ontario achieve broader participation in its energy-saving initiatives.

These recommendations draw from the success of culturally tailored programs like Empower Me and studies that reveal low-income and marginalized households are often underrepresented in energy programs. While $115 million is invested in Canadian low-income energy efficiency programs annually, only 2–3% of eligible households are reached. Expanding Ontario’s framework to include more accessible, community-driven initiatives can address these gaps, achieving a more inclusive and impactful energy strategy

1. (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/energy-poverty-calgary-utility-b…)
2. Berkouwer, S., & Dean, J. (2021). Barriers to energy efficiency adoption in low-income communities. Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. Retrieved from https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu
3. https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/content/lifting-high-e…
4. https://www.empowerme.ca/post/cleanbc-bc-hydro-and-fortisbc-support-emp…
5. https://www.empowerme.ca/post/epcor-and-empower-me-partner
6. https://ccc.bc.edu/content/ccc/blog-home/2024/01/mentoring-in-workplace…