An assessment of factors impacting Canada's electricity sector's GHG emissions

In this article we develop and then implement a decomposition model of Canada's electricity sector in order to assess multiple factors impacting on trends in greenhouse gas emissions from the sector, with a focus on the impact of climate and energy policy on emissions for the time period spanning from 1990 to 2008. The analysis shows that during these years, the primary factors driving changes in emissions included changes in electricity demand, changes in the generation mix of electricity, and weather, but that government policy and programs had only minor impacts on emissions. Although having relatively lesser impacts compared to the aforementioned factors, the most significant policy related factors included efforts to increase renewables in the generation mix through programs such as renewable portfolio standards and incentives for wind generators.

► Economic and environmental factors underpinned the 33% increase in emissions. ► Efficiency gains in household appliances reduced electricity demand and emissions. ► Demand side management programs reduced electricity demand and emissions. ► Policy encouraging wind had significant impacts at the end of the period. ► Future policy should target renewables in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.