Ontario Power Generation seeks U.S. export permit

Summary#

• Ontario Power Generation Inc. has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) to export up to 12 000 000 MWh of electricity per year to the United States for 10 years.
• The CER is asking the public and other interested parties for comments before it decides whether to issue a permit or move the file to a licensing process.

What it does#

• Notes an export application made on 9 April 2026 under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act asking to export up to 12 000 000 MWh annually for 10 years.
• Says the applicant (as of 31 December 2025) and its affiliates have generation capacity totaling 17 395 megawatts (MW) across:
  • 2 nuclear generating stations
  • 66 hydroelectric generating stations
  • 2 thermal generating stations
  • 1 solar facility
  • 4 combined‑cycle gas turbine generating stations
  • plus 2 other nuclear stations leased to Bruce Power L.P.
• Explains the CER is inviting written submissions on the application. Comments must be filed by 18 May 2026.
• Asks specific feedback on:
  • the effect of the export on provinces other than the province from which the power would be exported, and
  • whether the applicant has told potential Canadian buyers about the available quantities and given them a fair chance to buy electricity on comparable terms.
• Allows the applicant to file answers to those submissions by 2 June 2026.

Who's affected#

• Ontario Power Generation Inc. (the applicant) and its affiliates.
• Buyers and traders of electricity in Canada and the United States who deal in cross‑border power sales.
• Electricity system operators, utilities and provincial governments outside Ontario — the CER specifically seeks views on effects in other provinces.
• Other parties who have declared an interest in buying electricity for consumption in Canada.
• If it is unclear who else may be affected, the CER has made the application public and invites any interested person or group to comment.

Why it matters#

• Large, long‑term electricity exports can change how much power stays in Canada and who gets priority to buy it. The CER is asking whether this particular export would affect supply or markets in other provinces or deny domestic buyers a fair chance to purchase the power.
• The public comment deadlines (file by 18 May 2026, applicant responses by 2 June 2026) are the opportunity for utilities, provincial governments, communities and other stakeholders to raise concerns or support before a permit or license decision is made.