Energy Community of Practice
(2015-2016)Project Overview
For many municipalities, there is a disconnect between broader provincial planning policies and programs and local energy planning efforts, adding a layer of complexity and uncertainty to community energy planning activities.
The Ontario Energy Community of Practice (ECOP) initiative ran from 2015-2016 and focused on providing education and capacity building for Ontario municipalities, utilities, and other local stakeholders to develop and implement community energy plans. The intent was to help better align local, regional, and provincial energy planning activities.
ECOP was led by QUEST and the Clean Air Partnership with support from Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator.
Project Objectives
The objectives of the ECOP initiative were to:
- Build an understanding of the benefits of community energy plans (CEPs) to accelerate energy efficiency and advance economic development opportunities
- Provide municipalities with training, resources, and skills to develop and implement CEPs
- Foster improved partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders (especially utilities) and better enable these communities to identify priority local energy projects
- Help municipalities understand the link between community energy planning and the IESO’s regional electricity planning program
ECOP Training Modules and Resources
ECOP Training Modules
The following ECOP Training Modules are provided in PowerPoint format, giving you the flexibility to use and modify the content according to your specific needs. The content of the modules is catered to the project’s two target stakeholder groups – municipalities and utilities –
Module 1: Community Energy Planning Benefits and Applications
Module 2: Community Energy Planning within the Broader Provincial Energy Planning Framework
Module 3: Community Energy Plan Implementation
Module 4: Community Energy in Action
ECOP Symposium
Presentation
Project Partners
Other Resources
QUEST conducts and packages cutting edge applied research to empower practitioners and decision makers with the tools they need to advance Smart Energy Communities. Find out more about our projects:
Diverse Pathways to Net-Zero
All Net-Zero Pathways Begin With a Local Step October 2021 The Diverse Pathways to Net-Zero initiative examines the critical role that Canadian communities play on the pathway to net-zero.Project Overview During the first phase of this initiative, we published the...
National Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Handbook
May 2020 Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) presents a unique opportunity not only to tackle GHG emissions and improve local air quality, but also to advance a circular economy for municipalities. When implemented on a municipal scale, biomethane can also be injected into...
New Brunswick Smart Energy Communities Accelerator Pilot Program
April 21, 2021 We're pleased to announce the launch of the New Brunswick Smart Energy Communities Accelerator Program (NB SECA Program), designed to accelerate economic development and GHG emission reduction efforts in 10 communities, including one First Nation in New...