Ontario Power Generation Seeks U.S. Export Permit

Summary#

Ontario Power Generation Inc. has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator on 9 April 2026 for permission to export up to 12 000 000 MWh of electricity per year to the United States for 10 years. The CER is asking for public comments and set deadlines for written submissions by 18 May 2026 and any answers from the applicant by 2 June 2026.

What it does#

• The application asks the CER, under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to authorize exports of combined firm and interruptible energy up to 12 000 000 MWh annually for 10 years.
• The application says that, as of 31 December 2025, Ontario Power Generation Inc. and its affiliates have an interest in generation facilities in Canada totalling 17 395 megawatts (MW), including:
  • 2 nuclear generating stations;
  • 66 hydroelectric generating stations;
  • 2 thermal generating stations;
  • 1 solar facility; and
  • 4 combined‑cycle gas turbine generating stations.
  • It also owns 2 other nuclear stations leased to Bruce Power L.P.
• The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator is asking for public views before it decides whether to issue a permit or move the application into a licensing process.
• The Commission specifically wants comments on:
  • the effect of the exports on provinces other than the province from which the electricity would be exported; and
  • whether the applicant has told potential Canadian buyers about available quantities and offered them a fair chance to buy on similar terms.
• The application is available from the applicant by email (opgregaffairs@opg.com) and on the CER website. Written submissions must be filed with the CER by 18 May 2026. Any answers from the applicant to submissions must be filed by 2 June 2026.

Who's affected#

• Ontario Power Generation Inc. (the applicant) and its affiliates.
• Electricity market participants in Ontario and neighbouring provinces — for example, provincial system operators and large industrial or commercial buyers.
• Potential U.S. buyers of electricity and companies that trade cross‑border power.
• Anyone who wants to comment to the CER about how the export might affect domestic supply or market access (the notice invites public submissions).

Why it matters#

• Allowing large, long‑term exports can change how a generator uses its capacity. That could affect domestic availability and prices, grid operations, or who gets priority access to supply.
• The CER’s public comment process gives Canadian buyers and provincial authorities a chance to raise concerns about impacts on consumers and on other provinces.
• Deadlines matter if you want to participate: written comments are due 18 May 2026, and the applicant’s replies are due 2 June 2026. If it’s unclear how exports would affect a particular local market or ratepayer, the CER’s review is the place to raise those questions.