Analysis
A recent article in Le Droit implied that grid constraints can limit or delay new residential projects—in this specific case, in Gatineau, Quebec. The article raised concerns in the energy information space and among policy makers about the viability of all-electric residential new construction in the near term.
In response, the Building Decarbonization Alliance reached out to our partner network to better understand the issue, conducting interviews with several utilities and one of their trade associations. Based on these discussions, we’ve come to understand that widespread concerns are not warranted, and that we should not delay the pursuit of broadly electrifying new construction.
About the Authors
Bryan Flannigan
Executive Director
Bryan brings more than three decades of leadership and consulting experience with governments, utilities, and businesses to find technical, program, and policy solutions to reduce emissions and improve the energy efficiency of the built environment. Prior to joining The Transition Accelerator, Bryan played leadership and expert advisor roles with a number of Canada’s leading energy and environmental consulting firms, including ICF International, Posterity Group, and Econoler. He was Senior Manager of Operations at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and helped successfully launch the Green Municipal Fund. His early career was built on a foundation of technical and engineering roles including Director of Technical Services at Del Management Solutions and Energy Engineer at Siemens Building Technologies. Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ottawa, and is a Professional Engineer licensed in the province of Ontario.
Mathieu Poirier
Director of Policy
Matt prides himself on translating research findings into actionable solutions to support the clean energy transition. He brings more than a decade of experience working to decarbonize the built environment via positions in—and engagements with—governments, utilities, and industry. Before joining the Building Decarbonization Alliance, Matt held consulting roles at Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors and Deloitte, and worked in industry and non-profit organizations focusing on green building design and legal analysis. He holds degrees in mechanical engineering and psychology from the University of Waterloo, and a law degree from Dalhousie University. He also earned an MBA from Saint Mary’s University. Matt also co-authored The Case for Building Electrification in Canada, our foundational position paper.
Supplementary Materials
We’re Calling for Your Feedback on this Issue! This discussion paper is intended to present what we know so far about this complex issue based on limited engagement. We are therefore calling on stakeholders in this space to bring forward additional insights, observations, or data to further support or challenge our understanding of this complex issue. Although all are welcome to comment, we would specifically like to hear from:
– Transmission and distribution system planners at Canadian electric utilities
– Regulators and intervenors to regulatory processes
– Government policy makers from all orders
– Consultants and advisors having worked on this issue.
– Residential developers and builders
Interested stakeholders from these organizations can provide thoughts and insights by following this link to an online form that will capture your thoughts in a structured way. We thank you in advance for your participation!
Citations
Cite as: Andrée P., Hunter B., and Meadowcroft J. (2023). Strategic Framework for Accelerating Sustainable Agriculture in Canada: Recommendations for Philanthropy. Transition Accelerator. Version 3.