Two companies seek to export power to U.S.

Summary#

The Canada Energy Regulator is asking for public views on two separate applications to export electricity to the United States. Furry Creek Power Ltd. (application dated 22 December 2023) and MC Hydro Holding Corp. (application dated 2 January 2024) each seek permission to export up to 100,000 MWh per year for 10 years. This notice is a request for comments, not a final decision.

What it does#

• Announces that Furry Creek Power Ltd. and MC Hydro Holding Corp. have applied under Division 2 of Part 7 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act to export electricity to the U.S.
• Each company asks to export up to 100,000 MWh of combined firm and interruptible energy annually for 10 years.
• Notes that each applicant (or its affiliates) has interests in generation or transmission in Canada; specific facilities are listed in appendices to the applications (not included in this notice).
• Invites written submissions from interested parties. Submissions must be filed with the Canada Energy Regulator and emailed to the applicants by 9 February 2024.
• Allows applicants to file answers to submissions by 24 February 2024.
• Says application copies are available from the applicants by emailing projects@bluearth.ca and on the CER website.

Who's affected#

• Electricity generators and companies that buy or sell power, especially those with interests in the facilities listed in the applications.
• Provincial governments and utilities, because the Commission specifically asks about effects on provinces other than the one exporting the power.
• Any person or organization that has declared an interest in buying electricity for use in Canada (the Commission asks whether they were told and given a fair chance to buy).
• The notice does not spell out which provinces or communities are involved; the facility lists in the appendices would show that detail.

Why it matters#

• Export permits can change how much power stays in Canada versus what is sold to the U.S. That can affect local supply and contract opportunities for buyers in Canada.
• The Commission is asking whether domestic buyers were notified and given equal chances to buy — that matters to utilities, large energy users, and provincial planners.
• This is the public-comment stage. People and organizations with a stake have until 9 February 2024 to raise concerns or support, which can influence whether a permit is issued.