LIEN Annual Conference 2025
This year, LIEN is partnering with Efficiency Canada and Ishkoday to hold a joint conference on October 8 & 9, 2025 in Ottawa. The Canada Home Energy Justice Conference brings together academics, researchers, and professionals who deliver energy efficiency programs to low-income families. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we aim to enhance the effectiveness of initiatives geared towards energy justice. Sector professionals can learn about the latest research and the application of the latest findings to program delivery and best practices in working with vulnerable communities. Please join us by registering: https://energyconferencenetwork.swoogo.com/chej2025/begin
We have a special discount for LIEN members and community legal clinics. Please contact us for more information.
Past Conferences
Please contact LIEN for annual conference material prior to 2011.
LIEN Annual Conference 2024 – “Cool It Now: Protecting Tenants from Extreme Heat“
This event took place Thursday, November 21, 2024 (via Zoom)
The conference focused on advocating for the right to cooling amid rising temperatures.
The agenda for the 2024 conference is available here.
Conference Recording – Full Length
Conference Recording – Short Version
Presentations:
Renovictions: From Tenant Activism to City Bylaws – Laura Anonen (Don Valley Community Legal Services) & Douglas Kwan (Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario)
Extreme Heat Across The Province – Stewart Klazinga (ACORN Hamilton) and Eddy Roué (ACORN Central Ottawa)
Rental Energy Efficient – Abhilash Kantamneni (Abhi) (Efficiency Canada)
Municipal Powers to Create Maximum Heat By-Laws in Ontario, Jacqueline Wilson (Canadian Environmental Law Association)
2023 LIEN Annual Conference
Turning Up the Heat on the Right to Cooling
This event took place on Thursday, October 26, 2023 (via Zoom)
The conference focused on advocating for the right to cooling amid rising temperatures.
Presentations:
Turning Up the Heat on the Right to Cooling – Jacqueline Wilson (Canadian Environmental Law Association)
Municipal Advocacy and Maximum Heat By-Laws – Olivia O’Conner and Stewart Klazinga (ACORN Hamilton) and Clare Freemen (Hamilton Community Legal Clinic)
Unlocking the Benefits of Heat Pumps for Households Across Canada – Sarah Miller (Canadian Climate Institute) and Alexandar Gard-Murray (Greenhouse Institute)
2022 LIEN Annual Conference
“Code Red: Protecting Vulnerable Populations from the Impact of Extreme Heat”
This event took place on Thursday, Sept 29, 2022.
The conference explored the rise in climate change-related extreme heat events and the need to start recognizing that we have a climate emergency and put in place protocols that protect our communities.
Presentations:
- Tenant rights and energy efficiency – Abhilash Kantamneni (Efficiency Canada)
- Facing the Extreme Heat Baked into Canada’s Future – Joanna Eyquem (Intact Centre)
- Building Climate Resilient Communities – Gordon McBean (Western University)
- Health Impacts of Climate Change – Dr. Samantha Green (St. Michaels Hospital, Inner City Health Associates, University of Toronto)
- Heat and Seniors: A Story of Governmental Indifference – Jane Meadus (Advocacy Centre for the Elderly)
- Climate Change and Vulnerable Communities – Jacqueline Wilson and Meaghan Kenley (Canadian Environmental Law Association)
2021 LIEN Annual Conference
“Energy Equity: Using Energy Efficiency to Fight Energy Poverty in Canada”
Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (via Zoom)
The conference explored themes of energy equity, affordability and access.
Presentations:
- The national push for low-income energy efficiency programming – James Gaede & Kirstin Pulles (Efficiency Canada)
- Climate Change and Low-Income Communities – Theresa McClenaghan (Canadian Environmental Law Association)
- Energy for whom? Justice in sustainable energy futures – Stephen Hill (Trent University)
- Measuring Climate Equity – Sagal Alisalad (Applied Economics Clinic)
- A holistic approach to reducing energy costs in Indigenous Nations – Karim Abraham (Community Power)
2019 LIEN Annual Conference
“Affordable Energy: Are We There Yet?”
Tuesday, May 14, 2019, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Chestnut Residence & Conference Centre, Terrace Room (3rd floor), 89 Chestnut Street, Toronto
The conference offered an opportunity to take stock of current energy assistance programs and ensure that they meet the needs of low-income consumers in a manner that is equitable, sustainable, and holistic.
The conference explored:
- The current status of energy assistance programs in the province
- The role you and your organization can play in promoting and preserving current programs
- Free energy conservation and efficiency retrofit programs that help lower electricity and gas bills
- Financial assistance programs that help pay for electricity and gas bills on an ongoing or emergency basis
Conference Kit:
- Agenda
- Acronyms
- LIEN 2-pager
- Info sheet on low-income energy financial assistance programs
- Info sheet on low-income energy retrofit programs
- List of participants
- Speaker bios
- Evaluation
Presentations:
- Energy sector changes: The impact on low-income consumers – Mark Winfield (York University)
- Panel: LIEN at the intersection of housing and environment – Mary Todorow (Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario/LIEN), Jacqueline Wilson (Canadian Environmental Law Association/LIEN)
- LIEN’s energy affordability strategy – Zee Bhanji (LIEN coordinator)
- Update on energy affordability in Ontario: Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), and low-income customer service rules – Donna Kinapen (Ontario Energy Board)
- Panel: Low-income conservation programs – Jennifer Cittadini (Enbridge Gas Distribution) & Carolyn Knight (Union Gas Limited), Candice Trickey (Independent Electricity System Operator), Henry Bernal (GreenSaver)
2018 LIEN Annual Conference
“Ensuring Universal Access to Energy”
Friday, May 4, 2018, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 63 Gould Street, Oakham House, Ryerson University, Thomas Lounge (ground floor)
The conference explored:
- Why electricity prices are rising
- Where to obtain information on free energy conservation and efficiency retrofit programs to help you lower your electricity and gas bills
- How to apply for financial assistance to help you pay for your electricity and gas bills
- About energy as an aspect of the right to housing
Conference Kit:
- Agenda
- Acronyms
- LIEN 2-pager
- Info sheet on low-income energy financial assistance programs
- Info sheet on low-income energy retrofit programs
- List of participants
- Speaker bios
- Evaluation
Presentations:
- Ontario’s Electricity System and its Implications for the Future – Mark Winfield (York University)
- Affordable energy programs for Ontario’s low-income consumers – Mary Todorow and Jennifer Lopinski (LIEN)
- Update on LEAP, OESP, customer service rules – Donna Kinapen (OEB)
- Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs – Scott Clark (Union Gas)
- Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs – Cam Black (Enbridge Gas)
- Centrally Managed Save on Energy Home Assistance Program – Nik Schruder (IESO)
- Exploring Access to Energy as a Human Right – Adrienne Scott
2017 LIEN Annual Conference
“Shedding Light on Ontario’s Energy Sector”
Wednesday, May 17, 2017, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Confederation Place Hotel, 237 Ontario Street, Kingston
The aim of the conference was to improve energy literacy conference and empower advocates and low-income communities with the foundational information necessary to build knowledge, insight and understanding of essential energy issues that affect their everyday lives.
The conference explored:
- Why electricity prices are rising and Ontario’s Fair Hydro Plan
- How to understand your electricity bill
- Where to obtain information on free energy conservation and efficiency programs to help you lower your electricity and gas bills
- How to apply for financial assistance to help you pay for your electricity and gas bills
Conference Kit:
Presentations:
- Who Does What: An Explanation of Ontario’s Energy System: Mark Winfield, York University
- The True Impact of Climate Change Policies on Consumers’ Electricity Bills: Keith Stewart, Greenpeace
- Understanding Ontario’s Electricity Pricing and the new OEB Consumer Charter: Nancy Marconi, Ontario Energy Board
- Helping Ontarians Reduce their Energy Burden: Francesca Dobbyn, United Way of Bruce Grey
- Gas Utilities’ Low-Income Conservation Programs: Cam Black (Enbridge Gas Distribution), Margaret Nuttall (Union Gas Limited)
- Know Your Bill: Components of a Typical Residential Electricity Bill: Stephen Sottile, Utilities Kingston
- LIEN advocacy activity update: emerging issues, wrap up and going forward: Theresa McClenaghan (Canadian Environmental Law Association/LIEN), Mary Todorow (Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario/LIEN)
2016 LIEN Annual Conference
“Meeting the challenges of energy affordability”
Wednesday, March 23, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM at 63 Gould Street, Oakham House, Ryerson University, Thomas Lounge (ground floor), Toronto
Conference Kit:
- Agenda
- Description of LIEN and its work
- Acronyms
- Speaker biographies
- List of participants
- Evaluation Form
Presentations:
- LIEN advocacy update: Mary Todorow (Advocacy Centre for TenantsOntario/LIEN)
- LEAP Energy Financial Assistance and new Ontario Electricity Support Program: Donna Kinapen (Ontario Energy Board)
- Social service agency perspective on the OESP: Mary Ann Proulx (Citizens for Affordable Housing, York Region), Maria Sowka (COSTI Immigrant Services)
- Ontario Climate Policy through a Climate Justice Lens: Barbora Grochalova (Canadian Environmental Law Association)
- 2016 saveONenergy HOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HAP) update: Katie Fotheringham (Independent Electricity System Operator)
- 2016 Low Income Energy Efficiency Program Offerings: Erika Lontoc & Jennifer Cittadini (Enbridge Gas Distribution)
- Union Gas Low Income Program Overview: Margaret Nuttall (Union Gas Limited)
- Low-Income Conservation Programs – a market perspective: Tom Wynn (GreenSaver)
2015 LIEN Annual Conference
“Closing the Gap on Energy Affordability”
Conference Kit:
- Agenda
- Description of LIEN and its work
- Acronyms
- Speaker biographies
- List of participants
- Evaluation Form
Presentations
- LIEN’s journey to completing its energy poverty strategy: Mary Todorow (Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario/LIEN) & Roger Colton (Fisher Sheehan & Colton)
- Discussing the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) & the new Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP): Brian Hewson (Ontario Energy Board)
- Ensuring a holistic approach to Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) delivery: Gladys Wong (Neighbourhood Information Post/LIEN) & Jennifer Lopinski (A Place Called Home/LIEN)
- Panel discussion on integrated delivery of utility low-income conservation programs across the province: Katie Fotheringham (IESO), Mike Mulqueen (Toronto Hydro), Erika Lontoc & Jennifer Cittadini (Enbridge Gas Distribution), Margaret Nuttall (Union Gas Limited)
2014 LIEN Annual Conference
“Celebrating a Decade of Low-Income Energy Advocacy”
Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Harbourfront Community Centre, Dance Studio, 627 Queens Quay West (corner Bathurst St), Toronto
Conference Kit:
- Agenda
- Description of LIEN and its work
- Acronyms
- Speaker biographies
- List of participants
- Evaluation Form
Presentations:
- Addressing energy poverty in Ontario – LIEN’s decade of advocacy: Mary Todorow (ACTO) & Theresa McClenaghan (CELA)
- OPA saveONenergy Home Assistance Program: Jen Atkinson (Windfall Centre) & Kai Millyard (GCC)
- Enbridge Gas low-income programs: Erika Lontoc & Jennifer Cittadini
- Union Gas low-income programs: Priyanka Gupta
- Review of the OEB’s low-income programs: Jennifer Lopinski (APCH)
- Who’s Doing What – Changes to energy assistance programs and why it matters: Jennefer Laidley (ISAC)
2013 LIEN Annual Conference
“Navigating Ontario’s New Low-Income Energy Landscape”
Wednesday, March 27, 2013, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Harbourfront Community Centre, Dance Studio, 627 Queens Quay West (corner Bathurst St), Toronto
The conference explored:
- Rising energy prices and the need for a low-income rate affordability program
- Addressing energy affordability within the context of the Ontario Energy Board’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
- Reducing bills and pollution through energy conservation programs for low-income consumers
There was also a special keynote address from the Chair of the Ontario Energy Board, Ms. Rosemarie T. Leclair.
Conference Kit:
- Agenda
- Description of LIEN and its work
- Acronyms
- Speaker biographies
- List of Participants
- Evaluation Form
Presentations:
- Keynote address: Rosemarie T Leclair, OEB
- LIEN advocacy activities update: Mary Todorow
- Proposal for a low-income energy affordability program: Roger Colton
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP): Rachel Anderson, OEB
- Climate change and low-income communities: Theresa McClenaghan, CELA
- OPA saveONenergy Home Assistance Program: Lenard Hart, GreenSaver
- Enbridge Gas low-income programs: Jennifer Cittadini
- Union Gas low-income programs: Julia Hummel
- Toronto’s Tower Renewal Initiative: Aderonke Akande
2011 LIEN Annual Conference
“Working in Harmony on Ontario’s Low-Income Energy Future”
Conference Kit:
- Agenda
- LIEN energy poverty manual
- 2009 Ontario stats on appliances by income quintile
- 2009 Ontario stats on heating equipment
- List of participants
- Speaker biographies
- Breakout session questions
- Evaluation form
Presentations:
- The OEB’s LEAP program: Takis Plagiannakos
- Low-Income Energy Conservation and Efficiency – An Update from the OPA: Andrew Pride
- The impact of suite metering on low-income consumers: Mary Todorow
- Customer service code amendments for low-income consumers: Jennifer Lopinski
- Enbridge Gas low-income programs: Bill Chihata
- Union Gas low-income programs: Tracey Brooks
