The bill establishes a national framework to eliminate energy poverty in Canada. Energy poverty is defined as a condition in which a household is unable, or at significant risk of being unable, to access the energy services required to maintain adequate health, comfort, safety and participation in society. The Minister of the Environment must develop the strategy in collaboration with other relevant federal ministers.

The strategy must establish national metrics concerning energy affordability, housing energy performance, and health and well-being. It must assess the economic impacts of energy poverty, establish a national target and interim targets, and identify measures for coordination among federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments and Indigenous governing bodies. It must also identify measures to support affected households through energy efficiency upgrades, affordability measures and consumer protections; improve housing conditions and energy performance; promote transparency regarding building energy performance and costs; support research, data collection and national monitoring; and provide for regular evaluation of measures.

In developing the strategy, the Minister must consult representatives of provincial, territorial and municipal governments; Indigenous governing bodies and organizations representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis; utility companies and public authorities; housing providers; consumer advocates; health experts; people experiencing energy poverty; and other relevant stakeholders.

Within two years after royal assent, the Minister must prepare a report setting out the strategy, table it in each House of Parliament and publish it on a Government of Canada website within 10 days after tabling in both Houses. Reports on implementation and effectiveness are required within two years of that tabling and every five years thereafter. The advisory council may have no more than 15 members, appointed for renewable terms of up to three years. The Minister must publish an annual summary of its advice and recommendations, and council members are not remunerated.