Efficiency and Conservation must come first – negawatts not megawatts

In Canada, we waste almost two thirds (66%) of all the energy we consume. That’s right, wasted. Tackling the energy waste first, makes reaching the goal of 100RE a lot easier and less costly. In fact, we can cut our consumption in half with current practices and technology without affecting our lifestyle. Many homes can reduce energy consumption by 20% solely from behavioural changes, without even spending money. What’s more, efficiency and conservation are the cheapest sources of energy with the lowest impact on the environment. They also help to ensure the green energy we produce goes much further. Think of it as Negawatts (negative watts of electrical energy) instead of Megawatts (lots of electrical energy).

A great place to start is in your home.

Empowering all of us – a decentralized mega project.

Once our energy systems are significantly more efficient, we can move on to the next step: a decentralized sustainable energy system. Switching away from large power generating stations and distant oil and gas fields to local renewable energy will mean more ownership and control for Guelph. Today, more than $9,000 a year leaves the city in energy costs for every household. That amounts to $500 million – half a billion – that doesn’t benefit us.

A more decentralized energy system enables citizens, co-ops, schools, municipalities, and small businesses to become energy producers. We need to strengthen our local power production systems and rely less on a small handful of giant power plants in order to keep the lights on and transportation systems running. Think of it as a decentralized mega-project: a more localized system, with opportunities for community ownership and participation that will increase public support for renewables, and provide more local jobs.  Ultimately, this will increase the number of Guelph citizens, businesses and communities who benefit from generating zero emission energy.

Seizing opportunities

The cost of renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy storage, and smart grid technologies is in rapid decline. Guelph needs to be ready to take advantage of innovation in the clean energy sector to lower our energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen system resilience.  The century-old electricity business model must change drastically from just selling electricity.  Instead, it should buy, sell, store, and move electricity in a grid that will enable all of us to be part of the energy economy,  – not just as consumers.  We need to be ready and willing to take advantage of these technological changes. 

Full cost accounting

In the past, energy companies have let the rest of us deal with their problems of pollution, climate change, and the disruption of communities. This kept the cost of energy artificially low and ultimately passed these expenses (environmental, economic and health) onto us as citizens and consumers. These are what economists call ‘externalities’ – costs that aren’t born by the manufacturer but left to society to deal with. Putting the true price on energy levels the playing field and shows that conservation, efficiency and renewables are much more financially attractive.  Economists call this ‘environmental full cost accounting’.

Electrify the energy system—stop burning fossil fuels

Our entire energy system, including heating and transportation, needs to be electrified. We’ve done a great job of getting rid of coal in Ontario, however, now is the time to go after other fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Some may argue that natural gas is ‘less bad’ than coal or oil-based products. Despite this, natural gas is still a fossil fuel that contributes significantly to climate change. This is not the time to be increasing our reliance on another form of fossil fuel. All of the systems in our homes, businesses, and institutions need to be electrified. 

This also means accelerating alternatives to using gas and diesel in transportation. It means prioritizing sustainable modes of transportation: walking, biking, public transit, and switching to an all-electric transportation system including e-bikes and e-vehicles. 

Massive switch to renewables

If we’ve done the other things well, the massive switch to renewable energy sources becomes much easier. This will make our energy system more decentralized, resilient to damage and failure and bring in more local jobs, and of course make our city healthier for families and help in creating a more robust and resilient local environment.  Remember, all of this means cleaner air, water and land, too.