Bill S-4 Clears Senate, Pushing Broad Energy Efficiency Changes Closer to Law

 

Bill S-4, which proposes amendments to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Act, was passed by the Senate on June 2, 2026, and received first reading in the House of Commons on June 5, 2026. As of mid-June, the House of Commons is still sitting, but with only a limited number of days remaining before the summer adjournment, debate on the bill may not begin until Parliament resumes in September 2026.  

 

Key changes to the Energy Efficiency Act in S-4 would include:  

 

  • Expanded regulatory scope beyond “energy-using” products to include products that affect or control energy consumption, such as controls, components, and systems  

  • New authority to regulate “energy-related products” and system impacts in support of overall system efficiency, not just standalone equipment; future rules could address integrated refrigeration systems, controls, or performance metrics  

  • Enhanced information, reporting, and verification requirements for data, testing, and compliance, including requirements tied to performance, efficiency, or broader environmental attributes  

  • Stronger enforcement and compliance tools, including increased penalties, inspection powers, and additional enforcement mechanisms  

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Concerns raised by HRAI were not addressed in the amendments adopted by the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources. It is hoped that these concerns can still be addressed at the House committee stage or in subsequent regulations if the bill is passed and becomes law.  

 

HRAI’s submission to the Senate committee can be reviewed on the committee’s website (linked here: https://sencanada.ca/Content/Sen/Committee/451/ENEV/briefs/2026-04-29_ENEV_S-4_Brief_HRAI_e.pdf).  

  

For more information, please contact HRAI’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Perry Chao by email at pchao@hrai.ca.   

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