Smart, Local, and Clean: The Future of Energy in Bridgewater

What happens when a small town takes big action on clean energy? In this episode, we head to Bridgewater, Nova Scotia—where Mayor David Mitchell shares how the Energize Bridgewater initiative is transforming local energy systems, tackling energy poverty, and empowering residents to lead the charge. With homegrown innovations like the Bridgewise energy monitoring system, accessible clean energy financing, and a strong focus on equity, Bridgewater is showing what’s possible when data, community, and climate ambition come together.

Whether you're a policymaker, sustainability advocate, or just curious about real-world energy innovation, this episode offers a blueprint for building smarter, fairer, and more resilient communities—starting at the local level.

Key Takeaways

💡 Local Innovation Leads the Way
Bridgewater didn’t just comply with sustainability requirements—they built a long-term plan focused on real needs like energy poverty, leading to a community-first clean energy transformation.

🏡 Residents Are at the Heart of the Solution
With accessible financing, solar incentives, and home energy assessments, residents are active participants in lowering emissions and saving money.

📊 Smart Tech, Smarter Communities
The town’s homegrown Bridgewise system goes beyond smart meters—collecting hyperlocal data to inform better decisions and highlight hidden energy burdens like heat islands.

🏙️ Cracking the Multi-Unit Code
Bridgewater is tackling the complex challenge of energy upgrades in rental housing, finding ways to motivate landlords while protecting tenants.

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