Large electricity export applications to U.S.

Summary#

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) published notices that two companies have applied for permission to export large amounts of electricity to the United States. Portland General Electric Company seeks to export up to 10 000 000 MWh per year and TEC Energy Inc. seeks up to 8 760 000 MWh per year, each for 10 years. The CER is asking for public comments before it decides.

What it does#

• Announces two formal applications to the CER under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act to export electricity to the U.S.:
  • Portland General Electric Company: up to 10 000 000 MWh annually for 10 years. Written submissions due 21 February 2023; replies by 5 March 2023.
  • TEC Energy Inc.: up to 8 760 000 MWh annually for 10 years, to start September 6, 2023. Written submissions due 22 February 2023; replies by March 10, 2023.
• Invites anyone with views to file written comments with the CER and to send a copy to the applicant. Applications are available on the CER website and by contacting the applicants by email.

Who's affected#

• Electricity exporters and companies that trade power across the Canada–U.S. border.
• Provincial utilities, grid operators, and regulators who manage supply and reliability.
• People or organizations in Canada that have declared interest in buying electricity for consumption in Canada — the CER specifically asks whether those buyers were informed and given an opportunity to purchase.
• General electricity consumers could be indirectly affected if exports change supply or prices in some provinces.

Why it matters#

• Approving large electricity exports can affect how much power stays available in Canadian provinces, and could influence local prices or reliability in some places.
• The CER is asking for public input, so communities, utilities, and potential Canadian buyers have a chance to raise concerns before any permit or licence decision.
• These are applications, not approvals; the CER will consider comments and evidence before deciding.