The journey towards decarbonization: Exploring socio-technical transitions in the electricity sector in the province of Ontario (1885–2013) and potential low-carbon pathways

This article employs the multi-level perspective on socio-technical transitions to explore the historical evolution of the electricity regime in the province of Ontario from 1885-2013 and to interpret the potential for future movement towards decarbonization. With an emphasis on the political and so...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Energy policy 2014-02, Vol.65, p.670-679
Main Authors: Rosenbloom, Daniel, Meadowcroft, James
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Canada
Carbon dioxide removal
Criteria
Decarbonization
Decarburizing
Economic data
Economic development
Electric energy
Electric potential
Electric power
Electric utilities
Electricity
Electrification
Energy
Energy economics
Energy industry
Energy policy
Energy transitions
Exact sciences and technology
Experimental methods
General, economic and professional studies
Historical analysis
Instability
Markets
Multi-level perspective
Natural energy
Ontario
Ontario electricity system
Ownership
Regulation
Stability
Studies
Technology
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Summary:This article employs the multi-level perspective on socio-technical transitions to explore the historical evolution of the electricity regime in the province of Ontario from 1885-2013 and to interpret the potential for future movement towards decarbonization. With an emphasis on the political and social dimensions of transitions, this analysis traces the key features influencing change within Ontario's electricity system over the past century. This paper uses multiple criteria (the phase of electrification; role of the electricity system in economic development; structures of ownership, market and regulation; dominant technologies; and the relative stability of arrangements) to characterize distinct regime configurations and periods of instability which separate relatively stable system orientations. Lessons are drawn from the historical case with implications for future decarbonization in the province, including the importance of: (1) residual momentum; (2) embedded guiding principles; and, (3) politico-economic coalitions. •Investigates transitions in the electricity sector using the multi-level perspective.•Explores the socio-technical evolution of the electricity system in Ontario.•Draws lessons relevant for low-carbon transitions.•Poses key questions for the development of low-carbon pathways in Ontario.•Provides insights on the political dimensions of low-carbon transitions.
ISSN:0301-4215
1873-6777
DOI:10.1016/j.enpol.2013.09.039