Altop Energy seeks electricity export to US

Summary#

Altop Energy Investments LP has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator for permission to export up to 5 000 000 MWh of electricity a year to the United States for 10 years. The Commission is asking the public for input on the application (filed 11 February 2025) before it decides whether to issue a permit or move the file to a licensing process.

What it does#

• Asks the Commission to authorize exports of up to 5 000 000 MWh of combined firm and interruptible electricity annually for 10 years.
• Seeks public views on whether the export would affect provinces other than the one supplying the electricity, and on whether domestic buyers were properly informed and given an opportunity to purchase on comparable terms.
• The applicant must provide copies of its application on request (email tradeops@altopenergy.com) and the application is on the CER website.
• Written submissions must be filed and emailed to the applicant by 23 March 2025. Any reply from the applicant to those submissions must be filed by 7 April 2025.
• The application is made under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act and the Commission’s published Directions on Procedure will guide how comments are handled.

Who's affected#

• Altop Energy Investments LP (the applicant).
• Provincial governments and their electricity regulators, since the Commission explicitly asks about effects on provinces other than the exporting province.
• Electricity buyers and traders in Canada who have declared interest in purchasing electricity for domestic consumption.
• Any member of the public or organization that wants to comment on the application by the stated deadlines.
• It is not clear from the notice which province the electricity would be exported from.

Why it matters#

• Approving large, long-term electricity exports could influence how much generation stays available for Canadian consumers and for provincial power systems. The Commission is asking for input specifically about those possible effects.
• The process gives affected parties a chance to raise concerns about domestic supply, price or access before a permit or licence decision is made.
• If you or your organization buy, sell, or regulate electricity, this is a chance to review the application and make a submission by 23 March 2025 (with applicant replies by 7 April 2025).