Low-income Energy Network
LIEN
As the City of Toronto develops Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS) to reduce emissions from existing buildings, the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) is working to ensure that low-income and vulnerable tenants benefit from these efforts without facing increased costs, displacement or other adverse impacts. In August 2026, with support from The Atmospheric Fund (TAF), LIEN
The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) and the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) submitted comments on Ontario’s proposed Economic and Strategic Assessment Framework for New Data Centres and the associated Data Centre Playbook. CELA and LIEN recommend that the framework protect consumers – particularly low-income consumers – from increased electricity costs, consider cumulative environmental impacts, establish
The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) and the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) have formally submitted joint comments regarding the federal government’s proposed Regulations Amending the Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 (Amendment 19). Pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, this amendment aims to raise minimum energy performance standards across various household appliances and industrial products. Our submission focuses on
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
