{"id":64473,"date":"2024-07-29T11:23:03","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T18:23:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/energi.media\/?p=64473"},"modified":"2024-07-29T11:23:03","modified_gmt":"2024-07-29T18:23:03","slug":"how-todays-policies-will-drive-or-delay-canadas-transition-to-clean-reliable-heat-for-buildings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/energi.media\/news\/how-todays-policies-will-drive-or-delay-canadas-transition-to-clean-reliable-heat-for-buildings\/","title":{"rendered":"How today\u2019s policies will drive or delay Canada\u2019s transition to clean, reliable heat for buildings"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article was published by The Canadian Climate Institute<\/a> on June 13, 2024.<\/em><\/p>\n

Canada’s clean energy transition means the way we heat our buildings must change\u2014we need to use more electricity and less gas.<\/p>\n

This has major implications for Canada\u2019s energy infrastructure\u2014the electricity systems and gas pipelines that deliver energy to many homes and businesses in Canada.<\/p>\n

Provincial governments should start planning now to shift from gas to electricity\u2014or they risk leaving systems unprepared for the energy transition, and leaving consumers on the hook for high costs.<\/p>\n

This report is the first of its kind showing the best ways forward to protect consumers as the energy transition in Canada\u2019s buildings sector accelerates.<\/p>\n

Continue scrolling to explore the report\u2019s key findings, or\u00a0download the report<\/a>.<\/p>\n

PROVINCIAL DIFFERENCES MATTER<\/h2>\n

Today, provinces use different energy mixes for building heat, which affects their path through the energy transition.<\/p>\n

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THE CLEANER FUTURE IS ELECTRIC<\/h2>\n

Despite regional differences, electrifying building heat is the lowest-cost way to achieve net-zero emissions across the country.<\/p>\n

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GAS DEMAND DROPS TO MEET NET ZERO EMISSIONS<\/h2>\n

As Canada moves towards cleaner energy, the use of gas for heating is expected to decline significantly.<\/p>\n

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ELECTRICITY DEMAND RISES<\/h2>\n

A widespread switch to electricity requires big changes and investments in electricity systems. Managing electricity demand peaks will be a core challenge for all electricity systems across the country.<\/p>\n

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OVERALL ENERGY DEMAND FALLS<\/h2>\n

Retrofits, higher standards for new buildings, and energy-efficient heat pumps are central to a low-cost energy transition. Canadians could heat buildings using a lot less energy, even as the population and economy grow.<\/p>\n

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GAS USE DECLINES DESPITE ALTERNATIVES<\/h2>\n

Even factoring in hybrid systems and low-emission fuels, gas use will decline significantly to meet our climate goals in the most cost-effective way, and leave fewer connected customers to cover system costs.<\/p>\n

Hybrid systems that use gas as a backup to electricity can be an important stepping stone to full electrification, and in some provinces they play a role in the long term. But hybrid systems won\u2019t require significant quantities of gas. And low-emission fuels like hydrogen and biomethane are not much used for heat in a cost-effective clean energy transition\u2014they\u2019re more valuable to other sectors, like heavy industry.<\/p>\n

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THE STATUS QUO IS RISKY<\/h2>\n

Canada\u2019s energy systems are on the wrong track. Gas networks continue to grow and emissions in the building sector continue to rise. Continuing with business as usual is incompatible with protecting consumers through the energy transition.<\/p>\n

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PROVINCIAL ACTION IS THE MISSING PIECE<\/h2>\n

Faced with this growing risk, provincial governments need to start directing a shift from gas to electric heating infrastructure. Otherwise, they risk leaving systems unprepared for the energy transition, and leaving consumers on the hook for high costs.<\/p>\n

RECOMMENDATIONS<\/h2>\n

While the clean energy transition will play out over several decades, the long-term implications of today\u2019s investment decisions mean that governments must start\u00a0now<\/em>\u00a0to change the status quo and protect ratepayers from the costs of dead-end pathways.<\/p>\n

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DOWNLOAD THE REPORT<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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READ THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

BRIEFING VIDEO<\/h2>\n

In this 30-minute briefing, Jason Dion, Sachi Gibson and Kate Harland walk through the main findings and recommendations of Heat Exchange.<\/p>\n