Energy Efficiency

The City works to better align planning functions with energy impacts in order to help build a more energy-efficient community, and encourages you to work​ towards conserving your personal energy use.​

Energy Management

In 2018, the City spent $9 million on utilities. To manage these costs, the energy management branch is mandated to reduce energy and water consumption for all City operations, including facilities, parks, water and wastewater infrastructure.

Actions are driven by a Council-adopted Conservation & Demand Management Plan, which p​rovides a framework to conserve energy and water.

Hydro rates have risen steadily over the years, which has a major financial impact on the City’s budget. Barrie is mitigating these increases by reducing energy and water consumption through conservation initiatives. Since the inception of the energy management branch, the City has realized a cost avoidance of $6.64 million.

​​​Community Energy & Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan

On March 28, 2022, Barrie City Council approved the Community Energy & Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. The plan includes actions and strategies for improving energy efficiency and reducing community wide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.​ 

Electrify Barrie

The City is working towards ensuring the community is ready to meet the needs of current and future electric vehicle owners. Learn about the Electrify Barrie initiative.

Energy Consumption Reports

The City reports annually on its energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions by facility, per Ontario Regulation 25/23. For more information on energy consumption reports, please contact the Manager of Energy Management at adam.mcmullin@barrie.ca or 705-739-4220 x 5097.

The provincial regulation also requires municipalities to update their energy conservation and demand management plan every five years. Please refer to the City's Conservation & Demand Management Plan.

Energy Conservation Achievements

The City of Barrie has received awards over the years recognization energy conservation initiatives.

Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Energy consumption from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal) is directly related to the creation of greenhouse gases. By reducing your energy consumption, you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on your energy bill. Consumption consists of two components:

  1. the amount of energy the device uses when turned on.
  2. the amount of time the device is on. 

Did you know? Appliances use approximately 15% of the energy consumed in our homes.​

Household Energy Conservation Tips