Toward a More Sustainable Future: Efficiency Canada Project Receives Government Support
The Government of Canada has announced a $28.9 million investment for 12 projects across the country to help accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technologies that will power a reliable and competitive energy system.
This includes $865,725 for Efficiency Canada from Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program to conduct research and publish practical reports that will enable regulators and program leaders to better manage electricity demands.
The announcement was made in late March at York University by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“Our new government is proud to be investing in projects like this one to provide reliable, affordable and clean power across the country that will propel our economic growth, protect affordability for Canadian families and make Canada a low-risk, low-cost, low-carbon energy superpower,” said Minister Hodgson.
Corey Diamond, executive director of Efficiency Canada, presented the awarded project on behalf of the team, alongside other funding recipients.
“This investment is a testament to Carleton’s ongoing commitment to drive sustainable, clean energy initiatives,” said Rafik Goubran, Vice-President (Research, Innovation and International). “We are proud that Efficiency Canada is being recognized as a leader in this space.”
Advocating for an Energy Efficient Canada
Housed at Carleton University’s Sustainable Energy Research Centre, Efficiency Canada is the national voice for an energy efficient economy and the leading independent demand-side management (DSM) researcher and benchmarking body in the country.
DSM is a core part of Canada’s energy efficiency system. Through utility programs and practices, it helps households and businesses use less energy to achieve the same or better results, and to shift electricity use away from peak times. This lowers bills, cuts emissions, improves reliability and reduces the need for costly new grid infrastructure.
Led by James Meadowcroft from the Department of Political Science and the School of Public Policy and Administration, this new multi-year project aims to identify regulatory opportunities to modernize utility DSM strategies.
Through in-depth research, interviews with stakeholders and online workshops, the project team is looking to: (i) provide needed flexibility to electricity grids, (ii) advance equity and affordability, (iii) evaluate provincial cost-effectiveness testing procedures in alignment with evolving policy contexts, and (iv) understand the impact of utility arrears on Indigenous communities in Ontario.
This work will culminate in four final reports later in 2026.
In addition to research, Efficiency Canada is dedicated to mobilizing a community of like-minded individuals and groups to shape public policy conversations and push for policy change that improves the lives of Canadians.
“At Efficiency Canada, we envision a future where the country uses energy efficiency to its fullest potential, creating a sustainable environment, a productive economy, and a just and equitable society,” said Corey Diamond. “We are grateful for the government’s confidence in this project and our organization.”
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