BP Energy electricity export application

Summary#

• BP Energy Company has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator to export up to 400 000 MWh of electricity a year to the United States for 10 years.
• The regulator’s commission is asking for public views before it decides on a permit or a licensing step. Submissions were requested by September 5, 2023.

What it does#

• Asks the Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator to consider an export permit application under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (Division 2 of Part 7).
• The application would allow exports of up to 400 000 MWh of combined firm and interruptible energy each year for a period of 10 years.
• The commission is collecting public input before it issues a permit or recommends a licensing process.
• The commission specifically wants comments on:
  • the possible effect of the export on provinces other than the one the electricity would come from; and
  • whether the applicant told Canadians who had declared an interest in buying electricity about the quantities and services available, and whether those buyers had a fair chance to buy on the same terms.
• How to get the application and take part:
  • Request a copy from the applicant by emailing bpcanada@bp.com, or view it on the CER website.
  • Written submissions were to be filed online and emailed to the applicant by September 5, 2023.
  • The applicant could file answers to submissions by September 19, 2023.
  • For questions about procedure, the commission provided the Secretary’s phone number: 403‑292‑4800 and an email filing option at secretary@cer-rec.gc.ca. The CER also prefers use of its online e-filing tool.

Who's affected#

• BP Energy Company, as the applicant.
• Electricity buyers and sellers in Canada who compete for or supply power that might otherwise be exported.
• Provincial utilities, grid operators, and regulators that manage electricity supply and trade.
• Members of the public or organizations concerned about power prices, supply, or cross-border electricity flows.
• If unclear: the notice does not name specific provinces or buyers, so the precise local impacts depend on where the exported electricity would be sourced.

Why it matters#

• Approving this export would allow a significant, multi-year flow of electricity out of Canada, which can affect local supply, market prices, and grid operations in the provinces involved.
• The regulator’s call for comments is a chance for local utilities, governments, and the public to say whether the export would harm Canadian consumers or industries.
• The process also checks whether Canadians who wanted to buy that electricity were given a fair opportunity to do so before it is exported.