Canadian communities have untapped opportunities to strengthen local economies, reduce current and future energy costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and create jobs by investing in smarter and more integrated approaches to energy use at the local level. Communities that have analyzed these opportunities have consistently identified a strong value proposition for these approaches, with solid economic returns on investments, environmental gains, health benefits, and improved quality of life for local residents.

Community Energy Planning: The Value Proposition describes how Community Energy Plans can:

• Help achieve environmental and community health goals
• Recirculate money spent on energy within a community and its region
• Contribute to achieving local economic development goals
• Create opportunities for local energy cost savings and job creation
• help to mitigate financial risks from future carbon pricing and energy price volatility
• Contribute to strong and resilient local economies
• And achieve other broad economic impacts