Halia Energy seeks 10‑year US electricity export

Summary#

Halia Energy LLC filed an application with the Canada Energy Regulator on 5 November 2024 to export up to 2,700,000 MWh of electricity per year to the United States for 10 years. The Commission is asking for public comments before it decides whether to grant a permit or refer the matter to a licensing process; written comments are due December 9, 2024 and the applicant may answer by December 24, 2024.

What it does#

• The company seeks authorization under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (Division 2 of Part 7) to export up to 2,700,000 MWh of combined firm and interruptible energy each year for 10 years.
• The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator is collecting views from interested parties before making a decision or recommending a licensing process.
• The application is available on the CER website and the applicant will email a copy on request.
• Written submissions must be filed with the CER and emailed to the applicant by December 9, 2024.
• The Commission specifically asks submitters to comment on:
  • the possible effect of the export on provinces other than the one from which the electricity would be exported, and
  • whether the applicant told people who want to buy electricity for use in Canada about the sale and gave them a chance to buy on terms at least as favourable as those offered for export.
• The applicant may file answers to submissions on those two points by December 24, 2024.
• The CER prefers online filings; it also provided a phone number and email for help with the process.

Who's affected#

• Halia Energy LLC (the applicant) and the Canada Energy Regulator (which must decide).
• Electricity market participants such as generators, wholesalers, provincial utilities and large industrial buyers who might compete for the same electricity.
• Provincial governments and regulators, because the Commission is asking about effects on provinces other than the one where the power would originate.
• Members of the public and community groups who want to comment on cross‑border electricity exports.
• It is not clear from the notice which province(s) the exports would come from or which specific facilities would be used.

Why it matters#

• Large exports can change how much electricity is available in a region and can affect prices for businesses and consumers, depending on where the power would be taken from.
• The notice is a real chance for utilities, provinces, industry buyers and communities to raise concerns or request protections before any permit is issued.
• This is an application and a consultation step, not a final decision. Comments sent by December 9, 2024 are part of what the Commission will consider.