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CGA is the national voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, bringing members together to advance safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions for Canadians.
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CGA is the national voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, bringing members together to advance safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions for Canadians.
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In this issue of By the Numbers, we examine energy outlooks and their important role in shaping our discussions about policy. We start by selecting three different scenarios from the Canada Energy Regulator’s ongoing Energy Futures series and compare these projections with the actual natural gas demand and production trends, as well as electricity demand. […]
In this issue of By the Numbers, we look at the important role storage plays in today’s energy systems, specifically the natural gas storage capacity in Canada and how it is critical to deliver reliable and stable energy supply. We will also look at the significant role that natural gas played during the cold weather […]
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Access to reliable and affordable energy is a basic requirement for the growth and success of rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Across Canada, there are many identified natural gas connection projects that could lower household energy costs, improve reliability, and support local economic development. However, under current provincial regulatory frameworks, these projects must generally be […]
Canada’s natural gas system offers affordable, reliable, and safe energy. This report looks at the main indicators for Canada’s natural gas market as we enter the 2025–26 winter heating season. A summary of these key indicators helps readers understand market fundamentals as colder months approach, furnaces are turned back on, and demand for natural gas […]
By Susanna Zagar, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association At a time of trade uncertainty, shifting global relationships and growing energy demand, Canada has an advantage few countries possess: abundant natural gas and the infrastructure to deliver it. As we look to strengthen our economic resilience and competitiveness, we need to make greater use of […]
At CERAWeek, the message was clear: energy security is national security, and countries that enable and optimize their reliable, affordable energy with resilient delivery systems, like natural gas infrastructure, will lead at home and in the new economy. CERAWeek may not be widely known outside the energy sector, but it should be. Now in its […]
At a pivotal moment for Canada’s energy future, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) has named Michele Harradence Chair of its Board of Directors. Michele’s appointment comes at a time when Canada is focused on strengthening energy security, supporting economic growth and meeting rising energy demand. Harradence leads Enbridge’s gas distribution and storage business, serving approximately […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New proposal highlights the natural gas opportunity to lower costs, support growth and strengthen energy security. As leaders from Indigenous Nations, government, industry, and finance gather for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition Conference, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is calling on the federal government to support a national effort to connect […]
To help advance the RNG marketplace, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) and the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA) joined forces to create a Canadian Renewable Natural Gas Information Network, RNGinet.
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is pleased to bring you the latest issue of Blue Flame, fuel for thought about Canada’s gas energy industry. This publication is for government, industry and public stakeholders who wish to learn more about Canada’s natural gas delivery industry. (August 12, 2026)
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is pleased to bring you the latest issue of Blue Flame, fuel for thought about Canada’s gas energy industry. This publication is for government, industry and public stakeholders who wish to learn more about Canada’s natural gas delivery industry. (July 7, 2026)
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In the energy sector, there is an old adage that states that the best form of energy is the one that is not used. In practical terms, this usually refers to energy efficiency – the ability to use less energy to perform a specific task or produce a specific output. It is often expressed as a percentage of the energy input that is converted into useful energy output. Energy input often refers to a fuel source, such as natural gas and gasoline. Useful energy output may refer to heating for buildings, electricity production, or running the engine of a car. For example, something that is 50% energy efficient means that 1 kW of energy input will produce 0.5 kW of useful energy output.
Energy efficiency has become increasingly important in today’s conversations as a way not just to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but to help maintain affordability. Over the years, technological advancements and innovations have made natural gas equipment significantly more efficient, allowing gas customers to realize energy and cost savings.
One of the sectors where this has been most apparent has been the residential building sector. This is best illustrated by the data shown in Figure 1. The number of residential gas customers in Canada has steadily increased over the years. Between 2000 and 2024, the natural gas customer base has increased by a total of 65%, growing from 4.2 million to nearly 7 million.
Figure 1 also shows the total natural gas demand in the residential sector. Regardless of year-over-year fluctuations due to weather, the overall trend indicates that the residential gas consumption has remained largely the same since 2000. Initially, this may seem surprising: how can the customer base have grown more than 65% across the sector without increasing the total amount of gas that is being consumed? The answer can be attributed to improvements in energy efficiency. Between 2000 and 2024, the average gas consumption per household decreased by 45% from 155 GJ to 85 GJ.
Figure 1:
One of the most significant factors behind this improvement in energy efficiency observed previously has been the adoption of high–efficiency gas furnaces. Figure 2 illustrates the change in the gas furnace stock over the years. In 2000, about 50% of Canada’s households that heat with gas were doing so with normal efficiency furnaces, which are 62% efficient. In contrast, about 30% used medium efficiency furnaces (80% efficient) and only 20% used high efficiency furnaces (90% efficient). Today, high energy gas furnaces are the norm, making up almost 80% of the total gas furnace stock in the country. Meanwhile, normal efficiency furnaces have been entirely phased out.
Figure 2:
High-efficiency furnace upgrades, such as those that occurred throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, were done as part of what are known as Demand Side Management (DSM) programs. Utilities typically offer these programs to encourage customers to reduce energy consumption by incentivizing the adoption of energy-efficient technologies through rebates or other subsidies.
Canada’s gas utility companies have had a long history of administering DSM programs. The very first DSM program for natural gas utilities started in Ontario in 1995. Since then, Canada’s gas utilities have continued to invest millions annually to help customers save energy. Over the last decade alone, Canada’s gas utilities have invested over $2.1 billion in DSM programs, resulting in 1.9 billion m3 less of natural gas that would have been otherwise consumed.
As the conversation on energy efficiency continues to evolve, it is important to acknowledge the progress that has been made but also recognize the opportunities that still exist. High-efficiency furnaces are only one aspect of these programs. Today, DSM programs are offered across various types of customer classes to include all sorts of energy-efficient solutions, including home retrofits, smart thermostats, and even gas-absorption heat pumps. Canada’s natural gas industry is constantly innovating, including its continued commitment to energy efficiency. The effort is a key reason why natural gas remains Canada’s most affordable energy choice.