What Is the Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Project?
This project, led by Summerhill, partners with governments, utilities, and private sector organizations to engage, educate, and deliver energy efficiency and demand response programs across Canada and beyond. For over 30 years, the company has helped shape conversations about energy usage by empowering communities to see energy consumption from a fresh perspective. Backed by a strong belief that every conversation drives change, Summerhill’s approach blends efficient program design with a deep commitment to creating sustainable places to live, work, and play. The project’s core is delivering proven energy efficiency services with a focus on product stewardship, ensuring that energy use is optimized at every level, whether residential or commercial. It is an initiative that truly capitalizes on time-tested strategies and advanced technology to assist customers in understanding and transforming their energy use… all while building a greener future.
Main Benefit
- 4,827,980 KWH total energy savings achieved in 2023
- 129,500 greenhouse gas emissions avoided in 2023
- $700 million processed in rebates for customers
- B-Corp score of 88.1, underlining a strong commitment to social and environmental performance
Expansive Service Offerings for Every Need
The range of services provided under the project is remarkable. From the comprehensive multilingual contact centre that guides customers through their energy efficiency journey to advanced systems that ensure rebate fulfillment happens quickly and smoothly, the service portfolio is both broad and specialized. Program management is executed with a seamless experience in mind, taking advantage of decades of innovative program deployment across multiple communities. Service offerings extend to contractor management, bolstering outreach activities that are as diverse as they are effective, and even cater to in-store retail events. The program also includes direct installations of various energy-saving technologies – such as demand response systems, heat pumps, and insulation improvements – demonstrating an adaptable approach to solving diverse energy challenges. Every measure is designed to enhance program performance and simplify the connection between organizations and their customers.
Residential and Commercial Programming
The project’s dual focus on residential and commercial sectors highlights its comprehensive nature. On one side, the residential programs are designed to improve energy usage in homes, ensuring that every household reaches its full potential in achieving greater energy efficiency. This involves everything from retail initiatives to home performance enhancements and even direct installations that simplify energy-saving measures. On the commercial front, a similar philosophy applies, but with strategies tailored to the unique demands of businesses. Whether small or large, organizations gain from direct engagement that boosts participation, identifies cost-saving opportunities, and ensures successful coordination through every phase of implementation. The residential and commercial efforts mesh together to form a wide-lens view of energy conservation, making a lasting impact on individual consumers and the broader economy.
Innovative Outreach and Marketing Strategies
Driven by a strong network of partnerships and superior marketing expertise, the project employs innovative outreach strategies that reach customers in a way that traditional programs simply cannot. The efforts are personalized and conversational, supporting communities to adopt energy efficiency through relatable, everyday dialogues. The creative in-store events and targeted digital campaigns are designed to speak to each community on their own terms. By tailoring marketing efforts to match local needs, the project illustrates how changes in consumer behavior can spark larger discussions about sustainability. These engaging strategies not only demystify energy usage but also lead by example – showing that when communities start talking, big changes are inevitable… and progress becomes a shared journey.
A Commitment to Community Impact and Collaboration
The project is deeply committed to fostering strong community ties. With a track record of initiating simple conversations that evolve into transformative actions, Summerhill’s initiative emphasizes local support systems, capacity development, and knowledge transfer. Special attention is given to addressing the unique demands of First Nations and isolated communities, ensuring that the benefits of energy efficiency programs extend to those who need them most. In this way, the project becomes more than just a technical solution; it is a vehicle for positive social change that aligns closely with broader environmental and community development goals.
Project Impact on SDGs
- Adequate and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Future Directions and Sustainable Communities
Looking forward, the project continues to evolve its approach to energy efficiency and product stewardship by expanding its service capabilities and innovating outreach methods. By continuously refining program design—from seamless rebate fulfillment to dynamic contractor management—the initiative adapts to emerging community needs and changing regulatory environments. There is a noticeable drive to anchor sustainable practices into daily life, with a vision that extends beyond just saving energy; it is about cultivating sustained conversations and long-term improvements in community living. As new technologies and energy solutions become available, the project remains agile in exploring avenues to integrate these advancements. Ultimately, the initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and passionate engagement, all of which propel communities towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
