Plant-E seeks to export electricity to U.S.

Summary#

The Canada Energy Regulator received an application from Plant-E Corp on 12 December 2022 to export up to 8,760,000 MWh of firm energy and up to 8,760,000 MWh of interruptible energy each year to the United States for 10 years. The CER is asking for public comments before deciding; written submissions were requested by 6 February 2023, with applicant responses due by 21 February 2023.

What it does#

• Asks permission to export large volumes of electricity: 8,760,000 MWh (firm) and 8,760,000 MWh (interruptible) per year for 10 years.
• Files the application under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (Division 2 of Part 7).
• Notes the applicant (or affiliates) has an interest in the generation facility Cogen Biogaz HY in Sainte‑Cécile‑de‑Milton, Quebec.
• Opens a public comment process so the CER can consider views before issuing a permit or moving to a licensing procedure.
• Provides deadlines: submissions by 6 February 2023; applicant answers by 21 February 2023; application available on the CER website and on request via email.

Who's affected#

• Plant-E Corp and any affiliates that own or operate the stated facility.
• People and businesses in Canada who buy or rely on electricity, especially those who declared an interest in buying electricity for consumption in Canada.
• Provincial electricity systems and regulators — the CER explicitly asks about effects on provinces other than the one supplying the electricity.
• The local community near Cogen Biogaz HY may notice activity related to the facility.
  If it is unclear who else might be affected, the CER is collecting information from interested parties to clarify impacts.

Why it matters#

• The volumes requested are large and could affect how much electricity is available in Canada and how markets and prices behave.
• The CER will check whether Canadian buyers were given a fair chance to buy the electricity before it is exported. That can matter to local industries, utilities, and consumers.
• This is a review and comment step, not a permit — the CER will weigh submissions before making a decision.