December 11, 2016

The value proposition for Community Energy Plan (CEP) implementation is compelling: opportunities to strengthen local economies, reduce current and future energy costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and create local jobs. The ability to demonstrate this economic potential, through economic analysis, is a critical ingredient for securing the required investment and the political, staff, and stakeholder support for CEP implementation. Economic analysis can also help with developing a CEP that maximizes economic, environmental, and social benefits.

This report, on methods for measuring the economic benefits of CEPs, is a companion to the publication Community Energy Planning: the Value Proposition. Its purpose is to help Community Energy Managers make informed choices when initiating economic analysis of their CEPs. It introduces the main methods of economic analysis suitable to community-level energy plans and projects, in order to help managers choose which economic analysis approach is best suited to their community’s CEP approach, needs and resources.

Visit the "Getting to Implementation" project website at www.gettingtoimplementation.ca.