A recent article in Le Droit implied that grid constraints can limit or delay new residential projects—in this specific case, in Gatineau, Quebec. The article raised concerns in the energy information space and among policy makers about the viability of all-electric residential new construction in the near term.
The Building Decarbonization Alliance (BDA) sought to better understand the issue and undertook a series of interviews with utilities and one of their trade associations. Based on these discussions, we understand that widespread concerns are not warranted, and that we should not delay the pursuit of broadly electrifying new construction. While there will be challenges involved, electrification is possible and happening today, and we can manage the fact that it is not a homogenous process across Canada.
This memo makes a range of observations and recommendations to support this view, and the BDA is calling on stakeholders in this space to bring forward additional insights, observations, or data to further support or challenge our understanding of this complex issue.