Chapter 5
INADEQUATE SUPPORT NETWORK
The rural Upper Skeena faces another challenge from the lack of a support network that will aid their transition to a sustainable energy future. This stems from a number of different factors; lack of energy literacy among residents of the region, lack of regional awareness regarding energy usage and GHG emissions, lack of a collaborative approach between various communities to date, and a dearth of information around climate change impacts associated with fossil fuel usage.
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This is a complex, multi-layered problem with its different facets feeding into each other but essentially, this means that the rural Upper Skeena does not yet have the capacity to transition from their current energy mix to a sustainable, environmentally friendly, cost-effective energy future.
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The lack of energy literacy causes insufficient adoption of energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades. Without such literacy, the rural Upper Skeena cannot hope that our residents will be aware of measures like improving building envelope insulation, energy efficient construction, fuel switching and air sealing. Without the adoption of these measures, the same members cannot reduce the energy intensity of their residences and workplaces, leading to spiralling costs and increased emissions. The lack of such awareness also contributes to insufficient regional buy-in.
If community members are not aware of and educated on the efficacy and the advantages the above-mentioned adoption brings, it will be difficult to create support for the goal of a sustainable energy transition. Without adoption and support for energy efficiency and conservation measures, any community-scale renewable energy or storage projects that could be implemented will need to be large and potentially uneconomical. For example, if residents have the ability to reduce their energy usage by 40%, then there is potential for any energy or storage system to be 40% smaller, and therefore more affordable. Commitment to energy efficiency and conservation as a first step allows the implementation of community-scale projects for be significantly more effective in both reliability and affordability.
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An additional disadvantage borne by the community is the loss of economic benefits that such a support network might bring. Energy literacy and efficiency measures lead to job opportunities for community members which directly impacts the economic health of the rural Upper Skeena. By not developing a collaborative support network, the rural Upper Skeena is missing out on this opportunity to augment its finances, reduce its GHG emissions and educate community members.
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If the rural Upper Skeena achieves the sustainable energy future it aims towards, it is vital that the foundation for such a support network be laid. This support work may involve developing a culture around the use of renewable energy systems, the installation of energy retrofits and upgrades, and being conscious and aware of daily actions which could be taken to reduce energy use.
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