Q&A: Erik Kaye

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Erik Kaye, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Erik Kaye is the Acting Manager, Energy Efficiency Policy for the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. He has worked with the government of British Columbia for the last 12 years in various positions connected to liveable communities, climate change and the sustainable use of energy and resources. In the community, Erik sits on the Fernwood Community Association board and also serves on the Community Liaison Committee for the Victoria Regional Rapid Transit Project. Erik lives in Victoria with his wife and three-year-old son.

Who do you represent on BC Hydro's engagement initiatives?
I represent the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR).

What are some of your responsibilities at MEMPR?
I am currently the Acting Policy Manager with the Energy Efficiency Branch. I work on low-income energy efficiency policies, energy efficiency standards for products and equipment, and pilot projects relating to energy labelling for existing homes.

What are the top three challenges currently facing MEMPR?
The top challenges currently facing MEMPR are to focus on a few key areas when there are so many exciting projects we could work on; keep up with the pace of change in our field, and attempt to integrate and coordinate actions and policies across multiple ministries, utilities, federal and local governments and the private sector.

The last one is probably the biggest challenge, but also the most gratifying when it all works out!

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working with a creative and dynamic team, living my values by contributing towards energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and learning new skills and gaining knowledge on a wide range of energy-related topics.

When did you become involved with BC Hydro's engagement initiatives?
I became involved in the fall of 2008, when I joined the Split Incentives Working Group.

What are your top two or three energy interests?
My interests include efficiency standards for equipment and appliances, low-income energy efficiency and energy labelling of homes and buildings at time of sale or transfer.

What are your top two or three BC Hydro interests?
The coordination of Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs with government policy and market transformation strategies.

What BC Hydro initiatives are you currently involved in?
I am involved in the Split Incentives Working Group, the Government Policy Enablers Working Group and Power Smart's Codes and Standards collaboration.

What motivates you to engage with BC Hydro?
BC Hydro is the key partner in all MEMPR energy efficiency and conservation initiatives – sustained engagement is critical to meet the energy efficiency targets of the provincial Energy Efficient Buildings Strategy and to expand the reach of successful partnerships.

What strengths do you bring to the engagement table?
I focus on getting results and identifying mutually beneficial solutions. I am not afraid to ask the "elephant in the room" question in order to address difficult issues head on.

What's your most memorable experience with BC Hydro?
Collaborating with Power Smart to expand the reach and scope of Community Action on Energy and Emissions Gold call. BC Hydro's contribution allowed us to double the community reach as well as to focus on innovative district energy and energy labelling initiatives.