Two companies seek electricity export permits

Summary#

Two companies, Furry Creek Power Ltd. and MC Hydro Holding Corp., have asked the Canada Energy Regulator for permission to export up to 100 000 MWh of electricity each year for 10 years. The regulator is asking for public comments and set a deadline of 9 February 2024 for written submissions.

What it does#

• Furry Creek Power Ltd. (application dated 22 December 2023) seeks authorization to export up to 100 000 MWh of combined firm and interruptible energy annually for 10 years. The company or its affiliates have interests in generation or transmission in Canada; the specific facilities are listed in an appendix to the application.
• MC Hydro Holding Corp. (application dated 2 January 2024) seeks the same authorization: up to 100 000 MWh annually for 10 years, with related Canadian generation or transmission interests listed in an appendix.
• The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator is collecting views before deciding whether to issue a permit or move the application into a formal licensing process.
• The regulator asked that written submissions be filed by 9 February 2024, and that any answers from the applicants to those submissions be filed by 24 February 2024.
• Copies of the applications are available by email request to projects@bluearth.ca and on the CER website. For filing and procedural questions contact the Secretary of the Commission, Ramona Sladic, or use the CER’s e-filing tool (alternative email: secretary@cer-rec.gc.ca).

Who's affected#

• Electricity buyers and utilities in Canada, especially in provinces other than the one the electricity would be exported from. The Commission wants views on effects across provinces.
• Transmission owners and generators that trade electricity across the Canada–U.S. border.
• The two applicants, Furry Creek Power Ltd. and MC Hydro Holding Corp., and their affiliates that own or operate generation or transmission in Canada.
• It is unclear exactly which Canadian facilities are involved because the Gazette notice refers to an appendix that is not included in this summary.

Why it matters#

• Approving these exports could affect how much electricity stays available for Canadian consumers, and could influence local or provincial electricity markets and prices. The notice asks for information on those possible effects.
• The regulator also wants to know whether Canadian buyers were properly informed and given a fair chance to buy the energy before it is exported.
• This is an opportunity for utilities, provincial authorities, and other interested parties to give input before the regulator makes a decision.