Group protests cancellation of energy program
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC - A coalition of community and consumers groups is denouncing the governmentÂ’s decision to cancel a program that helps low-income families improve their energy efficiency.
The Éconologis program, which has been in place for a decade, helps 15,000 families a year at an annual cost of about $4 million, said Charles Tanguay of the Union des Consommateurs.
"You can have an electronic thermostat," said Tanguay. "You can have a shower device to reduce your water consumption and you have also basic advices that can help for the future for those households to reduce their energy bill."
The governmentÂ’s Energy Efficiency Agency has requested permission from the provinceÂ’s Energy Board to cancel the program effective April 1.
But the decision is no joke, said the groups.
The Econologis program has been effective in helping low income families reduce their energy consumption at a time when energy costs are rising, the groups said.
The program is also good for the environment since low-income families often have old inefficient appliances and live in poorly insulted buildings, the group said.
The new program will also apply only to property owners, leaving renters out in the cold, the groups said.
Related News
BC Hydro electricity demand down 10% amid COVID-19 pandemic
VANCOUVER - Elecricity demand is down 10 per cent across British Columbia, an unprecedented decline sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a BC Hydro report.
Power demand across hotels, offices, recreational facilities and restaurants have dwindled as British Columbians self isolate.
The shortfall means there's a surplus of water in reservoirs across the province.
"This drop in load in addition to the spring snow melt is causing our reservoirs to reach near capacity, which could lead to environmental concerns, as well as public safety risks if we don't address the challenges now," said spokesperson Tanya Fish.
Crews will have to strategically spill reservoirs…
