Grand Trunk Western electricity export request

Summary#

An application from Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company asks the Canada Energy Regulator for permission to export electricity to the United States as a border accommodation. The company seeks authorization for up to 750 kW and 6,000 kWh of firm energy annually for 30 years, from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2055; written comments are due by February 24, 2025.

What it does#

• The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company has applied under Division 2 of Part 7 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act for an export permit to supply power to the U.S. as a border accommodation transfer related to an international work.
• It asks to export up to 750 kW and 6,000 kWh of firm energy each year for 30 years (from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2055).
• The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator is asking for public views before it either issues a permit or recommends a licensing process.
• The notice sets deadlines and procedures:
  • Request a copy of the application from the applicant by email (address provided in the Gazette item).
  • File written submissions with the CER and email the applicant by February 24, 2025.
  • If the applicant wants to reply to submissions on certain procedural questions, those replies must be filed by March 11, 2025.
  • The CER prefers online filing through its e-filing tool; an email option is available if needed.

Who's affected#

• Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company (the applicant).
• The Canada Energy Regulator and its Commission (they will decide whether to grant a permit or require licensing).
• Utilities, grid operators, or businesses near the export point and any parties who have declared an interest in buying electricity for use in Canada — the Commission specifically asks whether those potential Canadian buyers were informed and offered a fair opportunity to purchase.
• Provinces other than the one supplying the electricity could be affected; the notice asks for views on that point. The Gazette item does not say which province the electricity would be exported from.

Why it matters#

• This is a request to move electricity across the border for a long period (30 years). Even though the quantities requested (750 kW, 6,000 kWh annually) are small compared with large grid flows, the decision affects cross‑border energy use and local supply arrangements.
• The Commission is explicitly checking whether Canadian buyers were given a fair chance to buy the power and whether the export would affect other provinces. Public comments can influence whether the permit is granted or whether a more formal licensing review is required.
• If you are a potential buyer of electricity in Canada, a local utility, or a community near the export point, you may want to read the application and consider submitting comments by February 24, 2025.