As temperature extremes continue to impact Canada, a new report from Statistics Canada offers a revealing look at how rising energy prices are affecting households across the country. The study, part of the ninth cycle of the Canadian Social Survey, uncovers not only the challenges Canadians face in paying their energy bills but also the consequences of unaffordable heating and cooling costs.
Temperature extremes in Canada, from scorching heatwaves to bitter cold, have a significant impact on household energy consumption. Proper heating and cooling systems are essential for safe and comfortable living. However, the rising cost of energy has left some Canadian households struggling to maintain these conditions, potentially exposing them to climate-related health risks.
In 2023, a shocking 14% of Canadian households reported keeping their dwellings at an unsafe or uncomfortable temperature for at least one month in the past year due to the cost of energy. This trend has dire consequences for Canadians, with potential health risks from extreme temperatures, and it’s a symptom of an energy policy that is failing to provide affordable energy for all.
Beyond the cost and comfort aspect, the type of heating used in Canadian households also carries environmental implications. The report highlights that heat pumps, considered the most energy-efficient heating source, were used by only 7% of households in 2023. These systems are more efficient than traditional furnaces and boilers, helping to reduce residential greenhouse gas emissions.
Income plays a significant role in the choice of heating equipment. Higher income households are more likely to use energy-efficient heat pumps, with 9% of the highest income quintile households opting for this method, compared to 5% of the lowest income quintile. The type of heating equipment used is directly correlated with income, with oil and natural gas heating more common in higher-income households and electric heating more prevalent in lower-income households, reflecting the likelihood of the latter residing in apartments.
Renters, who often belong to lower-income groups, more frequently reported using electric heating. Renters were also significantly more likely to be unsure about the type of energy used to heat their homes compared to homeowners.
The absence of cooling equipment in homes can lead to dangerous living conditions, particularly in the summer. Approximately 26% of households went without air conditioning or cooling equipment in the past year, with disparities based on income and housing type. Lower-income households and those residing in low-rise and high-rise apartments were more likely to lack cooling equipment, potentially exposing them to heat-related health risks.
High energy prices have forced some Canadian households to make difficult choices. In 2023, 3% of households received disconnection, shut-off, or non-delivery notices related to their energy bills. A larger share, representing 10% of households, reported being late or unable to pay their energy bills in the past year due to the high cost. This gap was most apparent between the highest and all other income quintiles.
The Trudeau government’s energy policies have not adequately addressed the issue of skyrocketing energy prices, leaving Canadians vulnerable to disconnection and financial hardship. It raises questions about the government’s ability to manage the affordability and accessibility of essential services.
Perhaps the most concerning revelation from the report is that one in seven Canadian households had to reduce or forgo expenses for basic necessities, including food and medicine, to pay energy bills. Approximately 8% of households reported doing this for at least three months. The burden of cutting back on essential needs was more prevalent among lower-income and middle-income households, but even some higher-income households had to make sacrifices.
This raises questions about the government’s commitment to Canadians’ well-being. Can we consider energy policies successful when they force families to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table or buying essential medication?
Lone parent families were the most at risk of cutting back on basic needs, with over 27% having to do so. This situation underscores the toll that high energy prices are taking on households, regardless of income.
While energy consumption and costs are critical issues, this report goes beyond numbers and statistics. It reveals the very real and personal struggles Canadians face in maintaining safe and comfortable living conditions in the face of rising energy prices. As we look at the data, we must also consider the human impact and the urgent need to address this challenge.
As Canadians, we must consider whether the current energy policies align with our values and aspirations for a just and sustainable future. It is time for a critical reassessment of these policies to ensure that all Canadians can afford and access essential energy services without sacrificing their well-being and quality of life.