Toronto Hydro and Dunsky Help Enable Customer Clean Energy Projects Through Cleantech Services Network

Barriers to undertaking clean energy projects are not just financial. A significant barrier for residential and commercial building owners to pursue low-carbon solutions is the difficulty of finding qualified, reliable and knowledgeable contractors.

Toronto Hydro’s new Cleantech Services Network aims to bridge this gap by enhancing relationships and connecting customers with vetted professionals who can help them decarbonize their home or building. Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors is proud to have supported Toronto Hydro with the design of their new Network program to ensure it meets the needs of customers and contractors, and contributes to Toronto Hydro’s broader clean energy transition goals.

Enabling a Low-Carbon Future for Toronto

Toronto Hydro’s Climate Action Plan outlines key strategies to support the City of Toronto’s net-zero by 2040 target. The Network is a critical component of this strategy, serving as a trusted directory of qualified service providers delivering electrification and energy efficiency solutions for residential, commercial, institutional and industrial customers. Through the Network, customers can find expert contractors specializing in energy-efficient and electrification upgrades such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning improvements, insulation, solar photovoltaic and electric vehicle charging solutions. Once fully implemented, customers will also be able to find professionals, including engineers, building auditors, equipment installers, electricians, consultants, vendors, manufacturers, financial institutions and more.

Dunsky’s Approach to Program Design

To ensure the Network was designed with rigor and practicality, Dunsky took a multifaceted approach:

• Stakeholder Engagement: We engaged with over 30 industry stakeholders, including contractors and trade organizations, to shape a program that balances high standards with contractor accessibility
• Best Practices Research: We conducted a jurisdictional scan of similar trade networks across North America, integrating proven strategies and adapting them to Toronto Hydro’s unique context and goals
• Program Refinement: Based on stakeholder feedback and experience in other jurisdictions, we refined the Network concept to ensure ease of enrollment, clear value for customers and network members, and a quality assurance process to manage risk for customers, Network members and Toronto Hydro

Benefits for all Participants

The Cleantech Services Network creates value for multiple stakeholders:

• For customers: A trusted and vetted directory that simplifies the search for skilled contractors, reducing uncertainty and project risk
• For contractors: Free membership in the network provides positive brand association with Toronto Hydro, marketing exposure, and access to exclusive tools, educational resources, market insights and potential business leads
• For Toronto Hydro: The program supports the utility’s building decarbonization and grid reliability goals while fostering a skilled workforce that advances clean energy deployment

Impact on Toronto’s Clean Energy Goals

By facilitating access to qualified professionals and accelerating the adoption of decarbonization technologies, the Network directly supports Toronto Hydro’s broader clean energy and decarbonization objectives and promotes the growth of the clean economy. As more homes and businesses electrify and adopt low-carbon solutions, the program will help ensure that the local workforce is prepared and that customers have the resources they need for a successful transition.

Additionally, the Network can empower customers, support clean energy service providers, and advance a cleaner, resilient and affordable energy future for Toronto. Read more about Toronto Hydro’s Cleantech Services Network: torontohydro.com/contractors-and-developers/join-our-cleantech-services-network