Effective energy policies at local, provincial/territorial, national and international levels that promote energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy resources are critical in advancing the sustainability and well-being of communities in Canada and internationally.

Our Work

By drawing on the experience and expertise of our team of policy analysts, engineers, environmental scientists and planners, the Pembina Institute

• analyzes and assesses policies and programs to support renewable energy and energy efficiency

• provides policy recommendations and model designs

• advocates for the adoption of supportive policies and programs through consultation processes, media and education initiatives including workshops, websites and publications.

Policy Assessment

Our team can help decision makers at local, provincial and federal levels by analyzing and assessing policy options that can support the implementation of sustainable energy initiatives.

Here are some examples:

Innovative Financing for Energy Efficiency Improvements

Expanding financing options for energy efficiency improvements enables communities to implement initiatives that can reduce costs and energy use.

In 2005, our team completed a study for the federal government's Office of Energy Efficiency to demonstrate how local improvement charges (LICs) — a tool already familiar to most municipalities — could be used to finance energy efficiency improvements. Our team delivered a province-by-province assessment of the legal and financial aspects of using LICs, and provided a "road map" for municipal, provincial and federal governments to pilot the use of LICs as a financing mechanism in Canada.

• Using Local Improvement Charges to Finance Energy Efficiency Improvements: Applicability Across Canada (full report)

Successful Strategies for Energy Efficiency

In 2006, the Pembina Institute identified the key features of successful energy efficiency policies among leading U.S. states and in the European Union. These features include

• strong leadership and a designated agency to coordinate efficiency policy and programs

• binding targets for energy savings

• stable funding for energy efficiency programs

• a diversity of energy efficiency programs and an industry capable of delivering them effectively

• sound monitoring and evaluation practices.

The results of the study have been used in our consultations with both federal and provincial governments to advocate for more effective energy policies.

• Successful Strategies for Energy Efficiency: A Review of Approaches in Other Jurisdictions and Recommendations for Canada (full report)

Policy and Program Design

Our team has experience designing policies and programs to support the implementation of energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy initiatives from the local to the municipal level.

A National Renewable Energy Strategy

As a partner in the Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance (CanREA), the Pembina Institute is currently advocating for the adoption and implementation of a National Renewable Energy Strategy for Canada. In 2005, the Pembina Institute and other partners in CanREA hosted regional workshops and analyzed best practices around the world to develop a renewable energy framework. CanREA's model for a National Renewable Energy Strategy is built on maximizing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy at both the federal and provincial levels. [More]

To support the development of the model strategy, the Pembina Institute prepared the following background papers for CanREA:

• Financing Mechanisms for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

• Energy Efficiency — The Cornerstone of a Sustainable Energy Future

Consultation and Communication

Our team continues to engage governments through consultations and joint working committees — both independently and as a member of coalitions such as CanREA — using the results of our research and experience to recommend policy and program changes.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The Pembina Institute is a member of the Council of Energy Ministers' Demand Side Management Working Group, which is developing a national energy efficiency action plan. The Pembina Institute has also provided input to the Council's working group on renewable fuels.

Our team works with the renewable energy industry though the Clean Air Renewable Energy Coalition, and with the energy efficiency industry through the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance.

Internationally, the Pembina Institute is a partner in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), which promotes strategies that maximize the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency around the world.

For more information, review our publications on energy policy, or contact

Roger Peters

• Senior Technical and Policy Advisor
• Email: rogerp(at)pembina.org
  Tel: 819-483-6288 Ext 22