Who We Are

MapleWatt is an independent editorial platform documenting the technical realities of renewable energy deployment in Canada.

Origin & Purpose

MapleWatt was founded in 2022 by energy systems observers frustrated with the gap between promotional industry content and practical operational information. Too many publications focused on announcements, press releases, and aspirational projections rather than documenting how renewable infrastructure actually performs in Canadian climates.

We saw a need for a technically grounded, non-promotional platform that could track deployment patterns, analyze grid integration challenges, and provide context for professionals trying to understand the renewable energy landscape. Our approach emphasizes primary sources, operator data, regulatory filings, and direct infrastructure observation.

Based in Calgary, Alberta — a province experiencing rapid renewable deployment alongside traditional energy infrastructure — we have unique access to observe the practical challenges and technical solutions emerging in Canada's energy transition.

Positioning & Scope

MapleWatt is not a news aggregator, promotional platform, or advocacy organization. We are an observation and documentation project focused on the technical and operational aspects of renewable energy infrastructure.

What We Document

  • Deployment patterns and capacity additions
  • Technical specifications and performance data
  • Grid integration challenges and solutions
  • Regulatory frameworks and policy developments
  • Cold-climate operational considerations
  • Infrastructure observation and site analysis

What We Don't Cover

  • Product reviews or vendor endorsements
  • Stock market analysis or financial advice
  • Promotional content or sponsored posts
  • Unverified claims or speculative projections
  • Political advocacy or policy recommendations
  • General climate change discussions

Our focus is on "what is happening in practice" rather than what might happen, should happen, or what companies are announcing. We prioritize operational data, technical specifics, and documented performance over aspirational projections.

Editorial Sourcing Model

All MapleWatt content is built from primary source documentation and publicly verifiable data. We do not rely on press releases, corporate announcements, or unattributed claims.

Primary Source Categories

Regulatory Filings

Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) submissions, provincial utility commission documents, interconnection agreements, environmental assessments, and permitting records.

Operator Reports

System operator data from AESO, IESO, BC Hydro, SaskPower, and other provincial grid operators. Generation statistics, capacity factors, and curtailment reports.

Technical Publications

Engineering studies, academic research, manufacturer specifications, and industry technical standards from IEEE, IEC, and Canadian Standards Association.

Direct Observation

Site visits, satellite imagery analysis, publicly accessible monitoring dashboards, and direct correspondence with facility operators where appropriate.

What we do not use: Anonymous sources, unverified social media claims, promotional materials, or speculative industry forecasts without explicit attribution and context.

Validation Approach

Every technical claim in MapleWatt content undergoes a three-layer verification process:

  1. Primary Source Verification — All capacity figures, performance data, and technical specifications must be traceable to operator reports, regulatory filings, or official technical documentation.
  2. Cross-Reference Validation — Key data points are verified against multiple independent sources. Discrepancies are noted and explained in context.
  3. Technical Review — Content is reviewed by team members with relevant engineering or energy systems backgrounds to ensure accuracy and appropriate contextualization.

When uncertainty exists, we explicitly state limitations in our observations. Approximate figures are labeled clearly. Estimates are distinguished from verified data. Gaps in public information are acknowledged rather than filled with speculation.

Editorial Ethics & Independence

No Commercial Affiliations

MapleWatt maintains strict editorial independence. We do not accept:

  • Sponsored content or paid placements
  • Vendor compensation for coverage or reviews
  • Affiliate commissions or referral arrangements
  • Industry association memberships that might create bias

Our funding model is subscription-based through individual readers, with no corporate or industry sponsorship.

Corrections Policy

When errors are identified, we:

  • Correct the content promptly
  • Note the correction with date and description
  • Retain original versions for transparency
  • Investigate how the error occurred to prevent recurrence

Readers can report potential errors through our contact form.

Data Transparency

All significant data sources are explicitly cited with links to original documentation when available. Our goal is to enable readers to verify information independently and conduct their own research using the same primary sources.

Editorial Team

MapleWatt is maintained by a small team of energy systems observers, technical writers, and data analysts based in Calgary.

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Dr. Sarah Chen

Lead Editor & Co-Founder

Electrical engineering background with 12 years analyzing grid integration challenges. Previously worked on interconnection studies for Alberta's system operator. Focuses on technical accuracy and data verification.

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Michael Dubois

Infrastructure Observer & Co-Founder

Former project engineer on utility-scale solar and wind installations across western Canada. Specializes in deployment pattern analysis and cold-climate operational considerations. Leads site observation efforts.

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Rachel Thompson

Data Analyst

Specializes in extracting and analyzing performance data from regulatory filings and operator reports. Maintains internal databases tracking Canadian renewable capacity additions and operational metrics.

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James Park

Technical Writer

Translates complex technical information into clear, accessible documentation. Background in technical communication and energy policy analysis. Ensures content clarity without sacrificing accuracy.

Contributing Reviewers: We work with a network of independent technical reviewers including grid engineers, renewable energy researchers, and regulatory experts who validate content accuracy on a volunteer basis.