Predictions show that the reliance on oil will continue to decline, while energy demand will continue to grow.

Newfoundland and Labrador is among the leaders in the country in terms of green energy with 96 percent of our energy coming from hydro, but NL Hydro has already indicated that greater capacity is needed in order to meet forecast demand.

Some remote communities, especially on the coast of Labrador, still rely on diesel generation for their electricity.

That’s leading to a contradiction in messaging between switching to electric and conserving energy. It’s one of a number of issues touched on in this year’s Vital Signs report.

The manager of public policy and communications with the Harris Centre, Cathy Newhook, says a number of solutions are being explored for more remote communities, but cost remains a barrier.

She says wind and hydro are being looked at for some of those communities, but the infrastructure costs are high, and for now, diesel remains the affordable choice.