This research aims to develop a multi-dimensional conceptual framework for the contextual study and mitigation of energy poverty in Canada. The guiding research question, "How can energy poverty be defined, measured, and addressed in the Canadian context?" is being addressed by investigating the drivers of energy poverty, improving understanding of energy poverty in vulnerable populations, evaluating energy poverty interventions, developing a composite indicator to measure energy poverty, and identifying the stakeholders in Canada that are trying to address energy poverty and learn more about their work. 

This project explored the role of public trust in explaining policy support for energy transition. We surveyed a representative sample of residents in Canada to learn about their support for energy policies to learn how they might vary with trust in the actors communicating them. We asked the public about their support for 15 key policies. Some of these are the development of renewable natural gas, interest-free energy efficiency loan programs for homeowners and property owners, dedicated funding for low-income retrofit programs, and integration of low-carbon hydrogen into the energy sector.

The project aimed to conceptualize and measure energy poverty in Canada by identifying its prevalence through quantitative analysis, profiling the lived experiences of the energy poor, and constructing a preliminary analytical framework to evaluate existing energy poverty strategies in Ontario. Some of the research and publications resulting from this work can be found in the Publications page.

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