A clean electricity grid is central to our fight against climate change. In fact, studies show we will not achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 without decarbonizing our grid.
Additionally, we need to grow the size of the grid to meet the needs of current and future Canadian homes and businesses. Projections indicate this demand could more than double by 2050 in a net-zero context.
Meeting our clean electricity goals is not only a priority for the Government of Canada but could deliver nearly 40 percent of our long-term climate targets. Crucially, these goals must be achieved in a way that ensures electricity is affordable and reliable.
Canadians everywhere need to conveniently and affordably heat their homes, turn on their lights, and drive their vehicles. The federal government is working hard to ensure electricity across the country is reliable, affordable, and clean.
Powering Canada: A Blueprint for Success
On June 10, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, welcomed the release of Powering Canada: A Blueprint for Success, the final report from the Canada Electricity Advisory Council. The report provides 28 recommendations to guide future Government of Canada policy initiatives.
Independent Expert Panel
Launched in May 2023, the Canada Electricity Advisory Council is an independent panel of electricity sector experts from every region of the country, chaired by Philippe Dunsky. The Council included Indigenous partners, electricity sector utilities, regulators, and think tanks. Over its one-year mandate, it conducted 80 meetings and engaged with over 100 partners.
Economic Opportunities in a Low-Carbon Economy
The consensus recommendations in the Council’s report highlight the need to both address climate change and seize the massive economic opportunities through the transition to a low-carbon economy. The report emphasizes that a clean, reliable grid will save Canadians money in the long run.
Leveraging Canada’s Strength
With over 80 percent of Canada’s electricity already emissions-free, Canada starts from a place of strength. We can leverage this to ensure continued success and prosperity. For instance, Canada’s non-emitting grids have been key to securing over $50 billion in investments in the electric vehicle supply chain in the last two years alone. They will be crucial to Canada’s success in the emerging global hydrogen market.
Collaboration and Future Strategy
We thank the Council for its significant and important work over the past year and for the guidance provided in its final report. These recommendations will support the federal government in advancing Canada’s first Clean Electricity Strategy, expected later this year. They will also provide direction for provinces, territories, utilities, and stakeholders across the country.
The Canada Electricity Advisory Council’s final report can be viewed on the NRCan/CEAC website.
Quotes
“I thank the Council members for their work and recommendations. The role of electricity is central to Canada’s clean energy future, and building out a clean electricity system will help us fight climate change and power a prosperous Canadian net-zero economy. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, industry, and experts on this crucial work.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Building a clean, affordable, and reliable electricity system is at the foundation of Canada’s efforts to tackle climate change and presents a generational opportunity to drive clean economic growth across the country for decades to come. Just as the United States and other G7 partners are doing, we need to make supporting the low-carbon economy a priority. Setting new rules for cleaner power plants is already stimulating investments in lower-cost renewable energy and positioning Canada to be a global clean energy superpower. The advice from Canada’s Electricity Advisory Council will help to ensure we get the details right in this important work, including by providing provinces and territories the flexibility they need to continue to deliver affordable, reliable power.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environmental and Climate Change
“Canada is starting from a place of strength. If any country in the world can succeed in this transition, it is ours. But as we move forward, we need to be deliberate, thoughtful, mindful of regional differences, and ready to rethink old ways of thinking and doing. By being clearer about where we’re going, by boldly acting to cut red tape, and by investing strategically, we can win the race to an economy powered by clean, competitive electricity.”
Philippe Dunsky, President, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors Chair, Canada Electricity Advisory Council
Quick Facts
- Canada leads in emissions-free electricity: About four in five Canadians live in provinces where electricity is already largely decarbonized (more than 90 percent non-emitting).
- Twofold challenge: Canada must complete the decarbonization of its electricity and grow its clean power supplies to meet the fast-growing demands of households, businesses, and industry.
- Expanding infrastructure: Canada needs to rapidly expand its clean electricity infrastructure, roughly doubling it in a generation.
- Economic and climate impact: Meeting Canada’s clean electricity goals can deliver nearly 40 percent of the country’s long-term climate commitments while powering a stronger economy.
- Cost savings: By 2050, more than seven in ten Canadian households can expect net cost savings from switching to clean electricity if the right measures are adopted and executed.
- Indigenous partnerships: Embracing Indigenous Nations and communities as full partners in these projects provides a unique opportunity for reconciliation and harnesses a powerful force for change.
- Collaboration is crucial: Federal-provincial-territorial collaboration is vital for success. The federal government can enable and support an effective, affordable, reliable, and inclusive transition, but most authority over electricity remains with provinces and territories.
- Council mandate: Launched in May 2023, the Clean Electricity Advisory Council includes senior electricity sector leaders, Indigenous partners, and thought leaders.
- Engagement: The Council held over 80 meetings and engaged with over 100 partners and stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous partners, utilities, power producers, regulators, industry, think tanks, civil society organizations, and the public.