Basin Electric electricity export request

Summary#

The Basin Electric Power Cooperative applied on 29 April 2025 to the Canada Energy Regulator for permission to export up to 75 000 MWh of electricity per year to the United States for 10 years. The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator is asking for public comments before it decides whether to issue a permit or move the file to a licensing process.

What it does#

• Seeks authorization to export up to 75 000 MWh of combined firm and interruptible energy annually for 10 years.
• The application was filed under Division 2 of Part 7 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.
• The Commission invites written submissions from interested parties by 9 June 2025.
• The applicant may reply to submissions on certain issues by 24 June 2025.
• The Commission specifically asks comment on:
  • the effect of the export on provinces other than the one supplying the electricity, and
  • whether the applicant informed and gave a fair chance to people or businesses in Canada who had declared an interest in buying that electricity.
• The application is available on the Canada Energy Regulator website and can be requested from the applicant by email.

Who's affected#

• Basin Electric Power Cooperative (the company that applied).
• Wholesale electricity buyers and suppliers who trade across the Canada–U.S. border.
• Provincial utilities or market operators in the province that would supply the exported electricity, and possibly other provinces (the notice does not say which province is the source).
• Any Canadian organizations or consumers that had previously declared interest in buying the electricity named in the application.
• The Canada Energy Regulator and its Commission, which will review comments and decide next steps.

Why it matters#

• Approving the export could move a fixed amount of electricity out of Canada each year, which might affect local supply, competition, or wholesale prices in affected provinces.
• The Commission’s call for input gives Canadian buyers and provinces a chance to raise concerns about supply and fairness before a decision is made.
• Deadlines to comment (9 June 2025) and for applicant replies (24 June 2025) set a short window for people or organizations to take part.