Top headlines
Expanding the electricity system with fixed-cost infrastructure is a recipe for higher costs and more pollution. To affordably grow the electricity system, Canada should instead focus on getting more value from the existing grid, writes Brendan Haley, Efficiency Canada’s senior director of policy strategy.
A bill to modernize the Energy Efficiency Act cleared second reading in the Senate, bringing Canada one step closer to improved energy affordability and reduced emissions. The bill has been referred to committee for further study.
National updates and research
Efficiency Canada petition passes 2,000 signatures: Our call for the federal government to make energy efficiency a nation-building priority continues to gain traction. The petition will be presented to the House of Commons. It is also the only environmental policy on the agenda of the Liberal Party’s forthcoming National Convention.
Address Energy Poverty in Your Community: At the community level, energy efficiency can be the first line of defence against energy poverty. This Efficiency Canada webinar highlights how communities and local governments can leverage better data, tools and practical action to address energy poverty.
The path to energy security now runs through electrification: As Ottawa prepares to release its electricity strategy, experts say stronger energy efficiency measures could reduce exposure to global energy shocks and double Canada’s energy productivity.
First Nations agency seeks role in beefing up interprovincial electricity grid: The newly launched Indigenous Power Coalition aims to help First Nations take leadership roles in national power projects. With electricity generation and transmission being provincial responsibilities, the coalition says First Nations can build connections as they transcend provincial borders.
Regional updates and research
Quebec curbs its climate investments: The province’s 2026–27 budget is expanding financial support for homeowners making upgrades to improve climate change resilience. It is also improving support for heat pump and insulation work through the LogisVert program for energy efficiency. This is despite the budget allocating almost $2 billion less to its green plan than last year.
Vancouver moving towards all-electric water heating for homes: Beginning in 2027, water heaters in most single-family Vancouver homes that need replacement must be upgraded to meet the highest-efficiency standards. Water heaters are the second-highest energy consumer in the average Canadian household.