Good morning subscribers!
 
The rise of renewable energy sources has been linked to a decrease in carbon emissions and an increase in jobs, which is good for economic growth and environmental sustainability. However, to ensure that the transition towards renewable energy sources is both effective and equitable there are many key considerations that must be taken into account. Today’s Weekly Brief explores the intricacies of energy policy and its effects on various groups of people within Canada.

Today’s Weekly Brief was prepared by Jasper Paredes. Sign up here to receive the Weekly Brief directly to your inbox.

Charged Up: The Benefits and Costs of Sourcing Energy

• How can we ensure that the benefits of the transition towards renewable energy sources are equitably shared with Indigenous communities? With these communities often being located a great distance away from existing energy infrastructure, they typically rely on transported diesel fuel as their primary energy source. Megan Mattes explains how governments should respond to these logistical challenges in order to power remote Indigenous communities via wind, biomass, or solar energy sources. [Mattes/PPGR]

• Why is electricity so expensive in Ontario? With electricity rates increasing by 149% for off-peak power prices since 2005 and inflation for that same time period resting at 18%, it’s a legitimate question. Sarah Edmunds from Ryerson University explains the key factors, events, and policies that have contributed to the kinds of electricity prices we see today. [Edmunds/PPGR]

• Doug Ford has stated that he plans to reduce hydro rates for Ontarians. However, his proposal to retain the Fair Hydro Plan and eliminate the small surcharge on electricity rates that currently funds energy conservation initiatives does little to advance that goal. Accordingly, Mark Winfield explains the practical steps that Ontario’s political leaders should consider in order to control hydro rates moving forwards. [Winfield/Policy Options]

• Electricity provides a potential competitive advantage in a world focused on carbon reduction. With Canada being a world leader in clean electricity with two-thirds of production coming from renewable sources, Canada has produced clean energy surpluses that have been traditionally exported to the US. However, Brian Topp explains why and how these clean energy surpluses should instead be moved between have and have-not provinces via a unified national grid financed by a ‘clean power fund’. [Topp/Policy Options]

That’s it for us this week! See you next time!

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