Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee

That the Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee minutes of January 3, 2024 be approved.

That the Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee recommends that the Town of Whitby Council pass the following resolution: Whereas residents are struggling with energy bill increases and need relief; and, Whereas natural gas is no longer the cheapest way to heat homes because electric heat pumps are now much more efficient, can provide all heating needs even in the cold climates, and result in far lower energy bills compared to gas heating; and, Whereas natural gas is methane gas, which is a fossil fuel that causes approximately one-third of Ontario's GHG emissions, and must be phased out because it is inconsistent with all climate targets, while heat pumps result in the lowest GHG emissions and are consistent with a zero-carbon future; and, Whereas the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) decided to end a subsidy for methane gas pipelines to be built in new construction developments, effective 2025, finding that this would lower energy bills for existing gas customers and improve affordability for new homebuyers, but this decision is at risk of being overturned by the provincial government; and, Whereas the OEB decision will help lower energy bills and encourage heating systems that are consistent with climate targets and plans; and, Whereas the construction of new methane gas pipelines, which have 60- year lifetimes, should not be subsidized because they are inconsistent with the Town’s climate targets and will result in higher carbon emissions, higher energy bills, higher future de