For Immediate Release
March 18, 2022

econext is indicating its support for recent announcements from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador that will support electrification – the process of switching from fossil-fuel based activities to electric ones.

This week the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced additional investments for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, rebates for EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and assistance for homeowners to switch from oil to electric heating.

“Here in this province we have access to rich renewable energy resources,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s Executive Director, “and so it makes complete sense on a number of levels to invest in electrification initiatives.”

“Each process that we electrify helps reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions, creates green jobs, and helps mitigate electricity rate increases,” said Hanley. “We encourage the provincial government to move quickly to do what it can to facilitate electrification throughout the economy.”

Hanley said that a long-term electrification strategy should be put in place that includes investments into fuel switching for public transportation, marine transportation, heavy industrial activities such as mining, and building heating.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has the potential to be a global leader in the energy transition as we pursue net zero – and the degree to which we can electrify our economy will play a big role in that.”

econext made a series of specific recommendations around renewable energy and electrification in a submission to the provincial government in the development of its renewable energy plan. Click here to review econext’s recommendations.

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. econext works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca