Reports & Research

TREC conducts original research to better understand the issues effecting communities that are building renewable energy, and how changes to policy can lead us towards a more resilient and thriving economy.
The Power of Community

Evolving Business Models for Renewable Energy Co-operatives:
Focus on Partnerships

This report was produced by TREC Renewable Energy Co-operative with support from IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator). This report lays out a set of potential roadmaps for RECs to build out a vibrant, viable partnership model that can adapt as the policy landscape evolves – and can perhaps help to expedite that evolution.

The Power of Community

Evolving Business Models for Renewable Energy Co-operatives:
Spotlight on Solar and Storage

This report was produced by TREC Renewable Energy Co-operative with support from IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator). This report looks at the evolving value proposition for RE Co-operatives, powered by two key regulatory changes and the plunging costs of solar and storage technologies.

The Power of Community

Evolving Business Models for Renewable Energy Co-operatives:
Spotlight on Energy Efficiency

This report was produced by TREC Renewable Energy Co-operative with support from IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator). This report looks at how RE Co-operatives could extend the successful ESCo model down-market to small-to-mid-size commercial properties.

The Power of Community

Exploring New Business Models for Sustainable Initiatives

This powerpoint presentation was prepared by TREC Renewable Energy Co-operative in conjunction with the Clean Air Partnership with the support of IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator). It explores community energy plans in a post-Fit world.

The Power of Community

Engaging Municipalities to Implement
Sustainable Energy Projects

This presentation was prepared by TREC Renewable Energy Co-operative in conjunction with the FCPC, the Federation of Community Power Co-operatives, the Clean Air Partnership with the support of IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator). It explores opportunities for cooperation between Municipalities and Co-operatives.

The Power of Community

Presentation to Council: Net Metering for Ontario Municipalities

This powerpoint presentation was prepared by the Federation of Community Power Co-operatives. It outlines the concept of net metering, the benefits and several case studies for municipalities in Ontario. This presentation is intended to be used as a tool for co-operatives to present to municipal council.

The Power of Community

How Net Metering can work for Municipalities

This video explains net metering and how it can work for Ontario municipalities. The video also includes examples from three communities to demonstrate potential cost savings at municipal offices, recreation facilities, libraries, works yards etc.

The Power of Community

The State of Renewables

This video provides key information about the adoption of renewable energy around the world, and the opportunity for Ontario municipalities.

The Power of Community

Growing Indigenous Power

This report attempts to highlight the current state of Indigenous Power across Canada, by exploring the potential benefits such projects can bring to communties, featuring examples of Indigenous Power projects, and outlining the various supportive policies and programs that exist in each province.

The Power of Community

The Power of Community

With the Feed-in Tariff program under the Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act, community participation of renewables in Ontario has increased dramatically since 2010. This report outlines the environmental, social, and economic benefits of locally owned and operated renewable power, with real data from Ontarians and Ontario-based projects.

Accelerating Renewable Energy Co-ops in Canada

Accelerating Renewable Energy Co-operatives in Canada

There is a momentum building in communities across Canada for renewable energy co-ops. Climate change strategies at federal, provincial/territorial and municipal level can be strengthened by recognizing this demand and responding with supportive policy and project development mechanisms described above. This report, commissioned by Co-ops and Mutuals Canada, outlines the current state of community energy co-ops in Canada, financial and policy tools that can support a successful co-op, and policy recommendations for governments to keep the co-op momentum in Canada growing.

First Nations Electricity Report

First Nations Electricity Report

Meaningful community participation in the energy sector requires knowledge, insight and understanding of essential energy issues. The Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with TREC, have prepared this innovative energy literacy report to inform, assist and inspire First Nations communities in navigating the complexities of the energy sector as it relates to First Nations, and recognizing the potential for energy systems to build strong, resilient, self-reliant communities.

More original research coming soon. Sign up for TREC’s newsletter below for alerts.

The Power of Community

Exploring New Business Models for Sustainable Initiatives

This powerpoint presentation was prepared by TREC in conjunction with the Clean Air Partnership with support from IESO. It outlines the concept of net metering, the benefits and several case studies for municipalities in Ontario. This presentation is intended to be used as a tool for co-operatives to present to municipal council.

The Power of Community

Exploring New Business Models for Sustainable Initiatives

This powerpoint presentation was prepared by the Federation of Community Power Co-operatives. It outlines the concept of net metering, the benefits and several case studies for municipalities in Ontario. This presentation is intended to be used as a tool for co-operatives to present to municipal council.

The Power of Community

Presentation to Council: Net Metering for Ontario Municipalities

This powerpoint presentation was prepared by the Federation of Community Power Co-operatives. It outlines the concept of net metering, the benefits and several case studies for municipalities in Ontario. This presentation is intended to be used as a tool for co-operatives to present to municipal council.

The Power of Community

How Net Metering can work for Municipalities

This video explains net metering and how it can work for Ontario municipalities. The video also includes examples from three communities to demonstrate potential cost savings at municipal offices, recreation facilities, libraries, works yards etc.

The Power of Community

The State of Renewables

This video provides key information about the adoption of renewable energy around the world, and the opportunity for Ontario municipalities.

The Power of Community

Growing Indigenous Power

This report attempts to highlight the current state of Indigenous Power across Canada, by exploring the potential benefits such projects can bring to communties, featuring examples of Indigenous Power projects, and outlining the various supportive policies and programs that exist in each province.

The Power of Community

The Power of Community

With the Feed-in Tariff program under the Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act, community participation of renewables in Ontario has increased dramatically since 2010. This report outlines the environmental, social, and economic benefits of locally owned and operated renewable power, with real data from Ontarians and Ontario-based projects.

Accelerating Renewable Energy Co-ops in Canada

Accelerating Renewable Energy Co-operatives in Canada

There is a momentum building in communities across Canada for renewable energy co-ops. Climate change strategies at federal, provincial/territorial and municipal level can be strengthened by recognizing this demand and responding with supportive policy and project development mechanisms described above. This report, commissioned by Co-ops and Mutuals Canada, outlines the current state of community energy co-ops in Canada, financial and policy tools that can support a successful co-op, and policy recommendations for governments to keep the co-op momentum in Canada growing.

First Nations Electricity Report

First Nations Electricity Report

Meaningful community participation in the energy sector requires knowledge, insight and understanding of essential energy issues. The Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with TREC, have prepared this innovative energy literacy report to inform, assist and inspire First Nations communities in navigating the complexities of the energy sector as it relates to First Nations, and recognizing the potential for energy systems to build strong, resilient, self-reliant communities.

More original research coming soon. Sign up for TREC’s newsletter below for alerts.