Forms

Regional Energy Plan (REP)

Essex County is developing a Regional Energy Plan (REP) and we need your help! The REP will suggest ways for residents, business and industry to use energy more efficiently.

The REP will help Essex County spend less on energy and keep more money in the local community. It will help our region meet our climate priorities while benefitting our local economy and quality of life for people who live here.

What We Know So Far:

  • Transportation and greenhouses (as a major component of the local economy) use the most energy in Essex Region;
  • The amount of energy used in the average home in Essex County is more than twice global best practice;
  • Greenhouse gas emissions are about five times global best practices per person;
  • The community currently spends over $800M on all types of energy, most of which leaves the County.

We are looking for your input to help shape the vision, principles and priorities to include in our plan. Please take 15 minutes to complete the following questions. Your contributions are valuable!

1. On a scale from 1 (lowest importance) to 5 (highest importance) how important is it for local communities to act on energy use and climate change?
 
2. As a region, should we be doing more to reduce energy use and fight climate change?
 

4. In your opinion, what are the most important reasons for the County of Essex to create a plan to address local energy use? Please rank the following options below.

Affordable energy services that I can always rely on.
 
Essex County taking charge of its own energy future.
 
Generating my own energy.
 
Reducing my energy costs.
 
Reducing greenhouse gas pollution to fight climate change.
 
Keeping more of our energy dollars in the local economy.
 
Creating jobs in the green economy.
 

5. There are other benefits to developing a plan for local energy use. Please rank these benefits in order of importance, below.

Cleaner air.
 
Protecting green space and urban trees.
 
Making it easier to walk and cycle in my community.
 
Making public transit more convenient.
 
Reducing energy poverty so that no one must choose between buying food or keeping the lights on.
 
Improving the comfort of my home or workplace.
 
Less time stuck in traffic and more time with family and friends.
 
6. Do you have any concerns about energy or climate change in your community, now or into the future?
 
8. Do you have any concerns about the local economy, now or into the future?
 

Vision & Principles

The project team has prepared the following draft vision:

“The Essex Region is a globally innovative and sustainable energy centre of excellence that benefits the environment, economy and quality of life for residents and businesses.”

11. Does the proposed vision reflect your ideas for an ideal energy future?
 

The project team has prepared the following principles for the Regional Energy Plan (REP):

Environmental

  • Create a sustainable energy system that meets the needs of the present and future. It balances the environment, economic, social and cultural needs of Essex Region.
  • Respect the climate science and work towards climate neutrality.
  • Recognize that the function, shape and layout of buildings and streets and healthy environments support human health.

Energy and Climate

  • Test strategies against global best practices in terms of energy efficiency and emissions.

Economic and Social

  • Ensure all energy related investments have acceptable risk-adjusted returns.
  • Ensure energy costs are competitive with comparable North American communities.
  • Create high-quality employment.
  • Create energy solutions that are equitable across all sectors and demographics.

Reliability

  • Design reliable energy systems. The systems should be flexible to meet user needs, climate changes and new technology options.
  • Meet or exceed 2019 service level quality.
13. How do you feel about the proposed principles?
 

Priorities

The REP aims to improve the quality of life of residents and businesses. It aims to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve these goals, considerable action needs to be taken across the community.

15. In your opinion, where should we focus our initial efforts? Pick your top 3 choices:
 
16. Which municipality do you live/work in?

Demographic Information [Optional]

You are encouraged to complete this confidential questionnaire. This information will assist the County to develop a Regional Energy Plan that is reflective of the community. This information will not be released without your permission.

18. Do you live, work and/or own property in Essex County?
 
19. What is your highest level of education?
20. Are you currently employed?
21. Do you own a personal vehicle?
 


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