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ACET and the (MECS) have partnered to accelerate British Columbia’s clean and low-carbon energy transformation by connecting research, policy and community engagement across the province.

Grounded in a shared commitment to knowledge mobilization and meaningful collaboration, this partnership enables practical, community-informed solutions that align provincial priorities with local realities.

Together, ACET and MECS are building a durable partnership that strengthens relationships, aligns systems and accelerates community-led energy transformation across British Columbia.

Embedded Leadership

At the centre of this partnership is a first-of-its-kind, seven-year secondment that embeds an Engagement Manager role jointly within ACET and MECS, creating an invaluable bridge between academic research and provincial decision-making.

The Engagement Manager:

• Identifies and builds partnerships with communities to chart viable pathways to sustainable energy systems
• Helps translate research into tangible outcomes that enhance provincial energy and climate programs, policy, and regulation.
• Works closely with local governments and First Nations, including Modern Treaty Nations, to identify priority actions
• Supports coordination across ministries to align efforts and uncover new opportunities
• Connects ACET partners with provincial initiatives to strengthen impact

This model enables faster movement from research to action, stronger alignment between community needs and provincial priorities, and deeper integration across ministries and sectors in B.C.

Partner Contributions

MECS

• Access to provincial networks, data, and engagement opportunities
• Connections with local governments and Indigenous communities across B.C.

ACET

• Interdisciplinary research expertise
• Evidence to inform policy, programs and regulatory development
• A platform for knowledge mobilization and applied research

Together, ACET and MECS:

• Align research priorities with provincial energy initiatives
• Strengthen collaboration across public and community sectors
• Translate research into actionable, community-level outcomes

Projects

Energy Transition Pathway Analysis

Duration: August 2024 – November 2024
Analysis of provincial and local datasets—including climate action programs and emissions inventories—to identify systemic barriers to energy transformation and uncover strategic opportunities for future ACET projects.

Mapping the Path to Renewable Infrastructure

Duration: January 2025 – December 2028
This research examines the challenges faced by small, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities in advancing clean energy projects. It tracks implementation progress, analyzes barriers, and evaluates impacts on community well-being.

Study on Economic Models for First Nations-Owned Utilities

Duration: September 2025 – December 2027
This study assesses the long-term financial sustainability of First Nation Community Utility models within British Columbia’s regulatory landscape, supporting Indigenous-led energy development.

Case Study & Toolkit: Ulkatcho Community Solar Project

Duration: April 2025 – June 2026
An in-depth case study and film documenting the Ulkatcho First Nation Community Solar Project, alongside a practical toolkit to support replication and learning across communities.

Worldviews in Climate & Energy Engagement

Duration: March 2026 – March 2028
This project explores how worldviews, trust, mis-information and dis-information shape local government engagement in energy transformation. It will produce practical tools to reduce polarization and support more effective engagement.

Power for People

Duration: January 2026 – January 2029
Building on the Northern Regional Energy Dialogues initiative, this project advances research on regional collaboration, policy, and planning—strengthening community capacity to lead energy system innovation in Northern B.C.