Efficiency Canada's submission to the Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities

Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities
Public Utilities Board Rate Mitigation Review
P.O. Box 21040
St. John’s, NL
A1A 5B2
rmreview@pub.nl.ca

October 25, 2019

Re: Rate mitigation options and impacts relating to the Muskrat Falls project costs

Dear Commissioners,

Efficiency Canada is the national voice for an energy efficient economy. We are a research and advocacy organization housed at Carleton University’s Sustainable Energy Research Centre. Our mission is to create a sustainable environment and better life for all Canadians by making our country a global leader in energy efficiency policy, technology, and jobs. We conduct rigorous policy analysis; communicate compelling narratives; and convene and mobilize Canada’s dynamic energy efficiency sector.

As Policy Director, I am writing to you to share some advanced results of Canada’s first Provincial Energy Efficiency Policy Scorecard and companion policy database which we plan to release in November. This research benchmarks provincial energy efficiency performance and policies in efficiency programs, enabling policies, buildings, transportation, and industry.

I am providing this information before our report release so our research can inform your deliberations. I also wish to highlight the role that energy efficiency can play in Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy future. This submission will discuss:

1. Energy efficiency as a resource option that avoids the risk of future cost overruns, as experienced with the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project.
2. The benefits of focusing on minimizing bills, for all fuel sources, and targeting bill relief to the most vulnerable populations.
3. The opportunities to leverage federal government policy through strategic electrification and energy efficiency

Author: Brendan Haley
Policy Director at Efficiency Canada