I was thinking it was a subset of “metrics”. Metrics is basically all the statics gathered about some specific thing or project, and I thought “optics” might be some identified key statistics among them considered as forecasters. The optics might be good or bad or unclear.
I decided to share this. Even though it is apparently wrong, I like it better.
I’m curious as to what provinces you are defining as being the “Prairies.” The vast majority of Manitoba’s power is hydroelectric - like, ninety percent. So in their case they’re certainly very hydroelectric-dependent.
Ironically, Ontario is actually one of the few provinces that ISN’T mostly hydroelectrically run. Most of Ontario’s power is generated by nuclear fuel.
I’ve heard “optics” used the same way as the OP, and I’ve used it in work situations where it was appropriate.
But I don’t drop it in casual conversation…
“I was going to wear my new dress but I was worried about the optics of wearing white after labour day…”
heh.