RNNR Committee Report

The role of the federal government is to solely provide information and resources to enable communities to implement best practices and share expertise on energy planning matters. Given that energy lies mostly within provincial, territorial and municipal jurisdiction, all solutions must be carried out cross-jurisdictionally, in collaboration with the provinces and territories.

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the federal government, in cooperation with the provinces, territories and municipalities, formulate a definition of integrated energy systems that would establish the necessary vision and leadership for integrated energy systems as a community planning model. The vision would respect the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories and recognize the fundamental role and responsibility of municipalities in designing, implementing, and managing their own community-specific integrated energy plans and projects.

Recommendation 2

To promote collaboration and information-sharing on integrated energy planning, the federal government must work with provincial and territorial governments, as well as consumers, communities and key stakeholders of energy systems.

The Committee therefore recommends that the federal government establish dialogue between the provinces and territories on potential policy initiatives to advance integrated energy systems across Canada (e.g. feed-in tariffs and guarantees that local energy production is purchased by utility providers).

The Committee also recommends that the government provide information and educational material to consumers, communities, and key stakeholders, including practical and technical energy planning advice for different regions, based on the findings of the “road map” initiated by Natural Resources Canada.

Recommendation 3

To improve the effectiveness of existing stimulus packages, the Committee recommends that the Government of Canada consider the introduction of an ecoENERGY Program for integrated energy projects, and review existing ecoENERGY programs as potential sources of funding for the new program.

Recommendation 4

The Committee acknowledges the concerns of rural and remote communities that rely on diesel for their energy supply and recommends that the Government of Canada review its ecoENERGY program to include integrated hybrid systems for rural and remote communities.

Recommendation 5

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada consider the introduction of direct rebates and tax incentives to integrated energy technologies with the goal of introducing and fostering low-emission technologies and reducing energy demand.

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada review and update existing federal standards and practices related to renewable energies in consideration of current market realities and ground-level challenges facing integrated energy planning, keeping in mind provincial and municipal jurisdictions.

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada work with the Provinces, the Territories and stakeholders to address the issue of labour shortages with regards to integrated energy technologies.

Recommendation 8

In order to facilitate the implementation of integrated energy systems, the Committee recommends that the Government of Canada consider carbon pricing as an important mechanism to create and foster low-emission technologies.

Recommendation 9

The Committee recommends that Natural Resources Canada continue working on enabling reliable measurement of energy use within communities.