Apollo Power export permit amendment

Summary#

Apollo Power Inc. has asked the Canada Energy Regulator to change Permit EPE-495 so it can export up to 1 800 000 MWh of electricity per year (a mix of firm and interruptible supplies) for the rest of the permit term, until May 1, 2033. The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator is asking for public comment before it decides; written comments are due December 16, 2024 (answers to some submissions by December 31, 2024).

What it does#

• Seeks permission to increase exports to 1 800 000 MWh annually of combined firm and interruptible energy, through the remainder of the current permit (until May 1, 2033) if approved.
• Starts a public review. The Commission will gather views before issuing the amended permit or sending the file to a licensing process.
• Asks commenters to address two specific points:
  • the possible effects of the export on provinces other than the one supplying the electricity; and
  • whether the applicant has told potential Canadian buyers about the available quantities and given them a fair chance to buy on comparable terms.
• Provides participation details: the application is on the CER website and the applicant must provide a copy on request. Written submissions must be filed by December 16, 2024. Answers from the applicant to some submissions are to be filed by December 31, 2024.

Who's affected#

• Apollo Power Inc. (the company making the request).
• Wholesale electricity buyers and marketers who might compete with exported power or who could have been offered that electricity for use in Canada.
• Provincial electricity systems, grid operators and regulators that manage supply and reliability.
• The general public and advocacy groups interested in electricity prices, reliability, or cross‑border energy trade.
• It is not clear from the notice which province the electricity would be exported from; that detail may affect who notices the biggest impacts.

Why it matters#

• Larger export volumes can reduce the electricity available for domestic markets or shift when and where power flows across the grid. That can influence local supply, reliability planning, and wholesale prices.
• The review lets affected provinces, buyers and the public raise concerns or ask for conditions before the Commission decides.
• The decision could affect future cross‑border electricity trade and how export requests are handled for system and market fairness.