Keeping the Lights On: Ensuring energy affordability, equity and access in the transition to clean electricity in Canada
Published by:
David Suzuki Foundation
Authored by:
Runa R. Das,
Mari Martiskainen
ISBN:
978-1-988424-88-0
Climate solutions energy, renewable energy
This report focuses on energy poverty in the context of a people-centred transition in Canada. Calls have been made for energy transitions to be equitable so they do not cause unnecessary burden. Some people and households are particularly vulnerable in the current energy system. Almost one in 10 Canadian households spends more than 10 per cent of their income on energy bills. Many experience energy poverty, struggling to have a sufficient level of energy services. This can have damaging effects on health, resiliency, social relationships and, in extreme cases, survival.
To mitigate energy poverty in the context of a clean energy transition, this report makes policy recommendations in four areas: national energy poverty strategy; universal clean energy service; affordable energy; and decarbonizing and efficiency for the residential sector.
