September 2023. Government of Ontario. Unlocking the substantial potential of demand-side measures can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the need for infrastructure upgrades, and help ensure the responsible and prudent use of ratepayer and taxpayer dollars. This submission lays out four main principles that should underpin all future electricity and natural gas demand-side policy decisions and frameworks:
- Prioritize efficient electrification of transportation, space heating, water heating, and industrial end uses currently powered by fossil fuels.
- Pursue all cost-effective energy efficiency, both through reductions in demand through measures such as building envelope improvements, and the prioritization of efficient and beneficial electrification.
- Ensure all demand is flexible, where possible, optimizing the use of existing and new grid infrastructure, and enabling increased adoption of low-cost, intermittent supply resources.
- Build efficient when building new, ensuring that any future investments in electrification and housing prioritize efficiency with grid impact in mind, limiting the need to upgrade inefficient equipment or retrofit buildings in the future at much greater expense.
ERO Notice: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7401