Reflecting on our role in an evolving energy landscape
As we step into spring, April has spotlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing energy efficiency in Canada. Whether it’s new research, public campaigns, or policy debates, Efficiency Canada has been part of the conversation, and we’re excited to share a few key highlights with you.
In our latest blog, A preliminary look at demand flexibility and peak demand reductions in Canada, Provincial Policy Analyst Alyssa Nippard and Director of Research James Gaede investigate how Canadian utilities are doing when it comes to demand-side solutions like energy efficiency and demand response. Early findings suggest that utilities in the U.S. are pulling ahead, especially when it comes to reducing peak electricity demand, a critical strategy for maintaining a resilient and affordable grid. That’s why we’re launching a major research project to dig deeper into demand flexibility practices nationwide.
Another crucial piece of the energy puzzle is proactive electricity system planning. Our report No Margin for Error was recently featured in the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ On Trump and Trade. CCPA pointed to our findings on the lack of coordination within and between provinces as a major barrier to scaling up renewable energy capacity. As they noted, Canada often asks the right questions about large-scale transitions but proposes the wrong answers, an issue our report connects to reactive, fragmented electricity planning. Proactive, coordinated action will be essential to building a clean, reliable, and affordable energy system.
Senior Director of Policy Strategy Brendan Haley was featured in The Energy Mix this month, emphasizing the urgent need for consistent, long-term policy to meet Canada’s net-zero goals.
“Meeting Canada’s net-zero climate targets will require deep energy retrofits in 480,000 low-rise homes every year for the next 25 years, and Ottawa must rapidly introduce policies and programs that are up to that challenge… Ensuring that all future retrofit programs are clearly connected to comprehensive, long-term policy goals will be critical to ensuring that the ‘boom-bust’ cycle of the Greener Homes Grant program is not repeated.”
This call for policy stability couldn’t be more timely. We’ll continue to champion this message as national retrofit strategies evolve.
Additionally, this past week we released our latest report: Making Net-Zero Retrofits Work For Energy-Poor Households. The report outlines how future retrofit programs must be designed to meet the needs of energy-poor households facing high energy costs and inadequate home efficiency. As part of this launch, we’ve updated the Energy Poverty in Canada hub with new census subdivision-level mapping and the latest energy poverty data to support advocates, policymakers, and practitioners.
B.C. Boosts Heat Pump Rebates
British Columbia is expanding its heat pump rebate program to make energy-efficient heating and cooling more accessible for low- and moderate-income households, including renters and residents of multi-unit buildings. Starting mid-2025, eligible households can receive up to $5,500 for ductless mini-split heat pumps, with additional rebates available for electrical upgrades and northern communities. This initiative aims to reduce energy costs, improve home comfort, and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Hydro-Québec Sets Major Efficiency Goal
Hydro-Québec has pledged to reduce electricity consumption in the province by 10 per cent over the next decade. This marks a significant shift in focus toward energy efficiency as the utility adapts to surging electricity needs and the energy transition.
Manitoba Invests in EV Chargers
The Manitoba government is investing $500,000 through the Climate Action Fund to install 51 EV chargers. This funding will support the installation of 39 electric vehicle charging stations in Brandon and Morden, as well as other rural, northern, and Indigenous communities across Manitoba. In addition, funding will support the installation of 12 charging stations at three multi-unit residential developments.
Quebec Reinstates EV Rebates
Quebec is relaunching its Roulez Vert electric vehicle rebate program on April 1, 2025. The program will offer up to $4,000 for new battery-electric or fuel-cell vehicles and up to $2,000 for plug-in hybrids and used EVs. It will be phased out entirely by 2027.
Ontario Homes, Ontario Solutions
A new approach to Ontario’s housing crisis is gaining momentum: building more homes with materials and labour sourced right here in the province. “Made-in-Ontario” homes could speed up construction, create jobs, and support the economy, all while tackling the urgent need for affordable housing.
Saskatchewan Goes Carbon Tax-Free
As of April 1, Saskatchewan is the first province in Canada to be fully exempt from the carbon tax. The government is pausing the industrial carbon tax under its Output-Based Performance Standards (OBPS) Program and removing the carbon tax from SaskPower bills, delivering immediate cost savings for families, farms, and businesses. Premier Scott Moe says the move protects affordability and economic growth while asserting provincial jurisdiction over carbon pricing. The province will continue consulting with industry on the future of its OBPS system.
TAF Recommends GHGi for Toronto’s BEPS
In its recent article, The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) advocates for Toronto to adopt Greenhouse Gas Intensity (GHGi) as the primary metric for its forthcoming Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS). GHGi directly targets carbon emissions, aligning with the city’s climate objectives and mirroring practices in major cities like New York and Vancouver. To address the variability in Ontario’s electricity emissions, TAF suggests implementing a fixed or capped electricity emissions factor, providing building operators with greater predictability.
CLEAResult Launches Groundbreaking Data Center Energy Efficiency Standard
CLEAResult, North America’s largest provider of energy efficiency, transition, and sustainability services, introduced the 80 PLUS® Ruby certification. This new standard represents the highest level of energy efficiency ever achieved for server power supply units (PSUs) in data centers worldwide.
Ontario Bets Big on Battery Storage
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) projects a major expansion of battery energy storage to meet surging demand driven by EV manufacturing, data centers, and population growth. Nearly 3GW of storage is expected to connect to the grid.
Building Resilient Energy Systems in B.C.
When storms, wildfires, or cold snaps hit, teamwork across B.C.’s energy sector helps keep communities safe and connected. Companies like FortisBC, which operate both gas and electricity systems, play a key role in ensuring infrastructure can meet spikes in demand. Their focus on resilient, flexible, and energy-efficient systems helps keep energy flowing when it matters most.