Low-income Energy Network
LIEN
The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN), in partnership with six collaborating organizations, received funding from The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) to help ensure that equity is embedded in the development and implementation of Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS) in Toronto and across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Building Emissions Performance Standards are being developed to
Presentation by CELA and LIEN to Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Environment regarding proposed amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act April 21, 2026. Prepared by:Zee Bhanji, Stakeholder Engagement and Energy Policy AnalystJacqueline Wilson, CELA CounselTheresa McClenaghan, CELA Counsel and Executive Director To download click here.
Low-Income Energy Network, ACTO and CELA seek support for indoor air quality improvements in low-income rental housing in Toronto’s 2026 budget. Prepared by:Zee Bhanji, Stakeholder Engagement and Energy Policy AnalystJacqueline Wilson, CELA CounselDouglas Kwan, Director of Advocacy and Legal Services To download click here.
The Low-Income Energy Network and CELA have requested that the provincial government invest in support for cooling in low-income rental housing, enhancement of the Ontario Electricity Support Program, including expansion of the program to include on-bill credits for low-income natural gas users, and ongoing rate affordability programs for low-income Ontarians using unregulated fuels. Prepared by:Zee
The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) has published Pathway Out of Energy Poverty in Northern Ontario, a report assessing energy affordability programs available to low-income people in Northern Ontario. The report concludes that there are significant gaps in protection for low-income people struggling to pay their utility bills. Prepared by:Zee Bhanji, Coordinator, Low-Income Energy NetworkZoé St Pierre, CELA
LIEN submitted comments in response to ERO# 01909235, regarding the 2025-2036 Electricity Energy Efficiency Framework. Prepared by:Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN)Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA)Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) To download the report, click here.
LIEN submitted comments in response to ERO# 019-9373, the provincial government’s new proposal for an electricity energy efficiency program to promote beneficial electrification. Prepared by:Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN)Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA)Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) To download the report, click here.
We have put together a toolkit for activists on Municipal Advocacy around Extreme Heat and Rental Housing. It includes an introduction to the issue, our Model Maximum Heat Bylaw, and a Template for Deputation On Extreme Heat In Rental Housing. Please feel free to use this in your advocacy work. Prepared by:Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN)Canadian
LIEN and the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) co-authored a chapter in Sustainable Energy Transitions in Canada. Our chapter, Energy Justice and Poverty: A Case Study for Ontario, is co-authored by Theresa McClenaghan (CELA), Zee Bhanji (LIEN/ACTO), Jacqueline Wilson (CELA), Mary Todorow (ACTO). Canadian energy systems need to change. Beyond providing essential energy services, they must mitigate
CELA and Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) have submitted comments to the Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO) regarding their Pathways to Decarbonization Study (ERO# 6647019). This study explores acheivable ways to shift away from fossil fuels to cleaner electricy systems. CELA and LIEN’s comments focus on consideration for low-income and vulnerable communities. Prepared by:Theresa McClenaghan, CELA
Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO), and the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) have submitted comments on Ontario’s Bill 97, Schedule 7 – Proposed Section 36.1.
This report recommends and provides draft language for a maximum heat municipal bylaw, which would require landlords to maintain a maximum temperature of 26°C in rental units. The recommendation accounts for the worsening climate crisis and the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses and mobility challenges, and those that
