Assessing challenges and opportunities for home energy improvements in Canadian Indigenous communities: A case study of the Metlakatla First Nation

The purpose of this report is to assist the Metlakatla in understanding challenges and motivators faced by members regarding home energy efficiency, and to provide recommendations to improve energy efficiency in the residential sector. The analysis involved a baseline housing assessment for reserve housing in Metlakatla Village, a literature review, two focus groups, and a review of Metlakatla Membership Census (MMC) data. The literature related to residential energy efficiency for Indigenous households indicates qualitative aspects remain an understudied area. Baseline housing data indicates on-reserve homes are heated predominantly by electric baseboards, which contributes to higher average annual home energy consumption compared to the average household in British Columbia. MMC and focus group data reveals many Metlakatla members are struggling to meet their home energy needs and are experiencing energy poverty. This is predominantly related to a combination of low income and poor home energy efficiency. Multiple demand-side management recommendations are provided to support Metlakatla homeowners in completing home energy retrofits and improving energy efficiency.