61% of residents support allowing builders of new homes and commercial buildings to choose the best solution for their needs
61% of residents support allowing builders of new homes and commercial buildings to choose the best solution for their needs
The Energy Futures Institute is an independent Canadian project that delves into some of the most pressing challenges confronting British Columbia’s energy security, affordability, and independence. Through the energy futures initiative, we aim to address critical questions about how Canada can meet BC’s increasing energy demand while safeguarding our environment, not only today but for the upcoming decades and century ahead.
Energy Futures is dedicated to delivering unbiased, clear, and factual information regarding Canada's energy landscape and the effects of various policy options on our province. Through the energy futures initiative, we aim to provide a practical and honest assessment of British Columbia’s capacity to fulfill the long-term energy needs of residential, commercial, and industrial users. Our mission is to enhance public knowledge and literacy about BC’s energy mix while proposing constructive solutions to tackle present and future challenges. We urge policymakers across all levels of government to recognize the importance of proactive, long-term planning to effectively serve British Columbians for years to come.
Energy Futures has been at the forefront of conversations in BC regarding energy supply, electrification, and infrastructure. Through the Canada Energy Futures initiative, we have been emphasizing the importance of sound long-term planning. Our media efforts highlight potential shortfalls in our energy system and present ideas to ensure that our energy system remains affordable, efficient, and stable.
We are calling for a bold, forward-looking energy strategy that ensures reliable and affordable energy to support economic growth and living standards in Canada. This initiative emphasizes that energy policy considerations should extend beyond climate and electricity, encompassing reliability, resilience, and affordability as critical components of our energy futures. We offer the following 10 recommendations that we trust will be given due consideration in these rapidly evolving times related to energy futures initiatives.
Undertake comprehensive cost/benefit analysis and economic impact assessments for all energy and climate policies.
Promote greater transparency by implementing a real-time public dashboard showing electricity production, use, and imports/exports for British Columbia.
Add reliability to the legislated energy objectives. By incorporating electricity reliability into the existing list of statutory priorities — affordability, rate stability, self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability — this crucial objective has a better chance of not being overlooked.
In light of rapidly growing power needs, dramatically increase domestic electricity production by considering all available solutions and cancel current plans to decommission existing power generation facilities.
Support First Nations reconciliation projects with flexible options for participation, along with adequate transmission infrastructure and electricity supply.
Upgrade the electricity grid to address infrastructure gaps.
Expand natural gas transmission and hydrogen infrastructure to support domestic needs and energy exports.
Adopt a global perspective on emissions – leverage LNG exports to support global emissions reduction and energy security for allied countries.
Assert Provincial jurisdiction over energy policy – prevent municipalities from banning natural gas hookups for new construction and commit to not implementing a province-wide gas ban.
Revisit electric vehicle sales quotas, replacing them with emission standards.
