Basin Electric electricity export request

Summary#

Basin Electric Power Cooperative has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator to export up to 75,000 MWh of electricity a year for 10 years. The CER’s Commission is asking for public comment before it decides; written submissions are due 9 June 2025.

What it does#

• Requests permission to export up to 75,000 MWh of combined firm and interruptible energy each year for 10 years. The application is dated 29 April 2025.
• The request was filed under Division 2 of Part 7 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.
• The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator is asking interested parties for their views before it either issues a permit or recommends the application be sent to a licensing process.
• The Commission specifically wants comments on:
  • the effect of the export on provinces other than the province from which the electricity would be exported, and
  • whether the applicant informed people who declared interest in buying electricity for use in Canada and gave them a fair chance to buy on conditions as favourable as those in the application.
• Deadlines and reply steps:
  • Written submissions must be filed and emailed to the applicant by 9 June 2025.
  • Any answers the applicant files in response to those submissions must be filed by 24 June 2025.
• The application is available on the CER website and can be requested by email from the applicant.

Who's affected#

• Basin Electric Power Cooperative (the applicant) and its potential buyers in the United States.
• Canadian electricity buyers and traders who had declared an interest in buying electricity for use in Canada.
• Provincial utilities and electricity markets in Canada, especially provinces that might be the source of the exported power and those that could be affected by cross‑border exports.
• Other stakeholders in cross‑border electricity trade and regulators who monitor supply and reliability.
• The notice does not say which Canadian province the electricity would come from, so it’s unclear exactly which provincial markets will be most affected.

Why it matters#

• Exporting up to 75,000 MWh a year could affect local supply or prices where the electricity is sourced. That matters to consumers, utilities, and provincial market planners.
• The Commission is inviting comments so people who think they might be affected can make their case now. This can influence whether a permit is granted or the file moves to a more formal licensing process.
• The decision will also shape how cross‑border electricity trade is handled in similar future applications.