Windsor Detroit Borderlink electricity export

Summary#

An application from Windsor Detroit Borderlink Limited asks the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) for permission to export electricity to the United States as a “border accommodation.” The company seeks to export up to 5 kV of firm power and up to 800 MWh of firm energy per year for 30 years, starting 1 December 2021, and the CER is asking for public input before deciding.

What it does#

• Requests authorization under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (Division 2 of Part 7) to export electricity across the Canada–U.S. border.
• Asks to export up to 5 kV of firm power and up to 800 MWh of firm energy annually.
• Seeks the authorization for a period of 30 years, beginning 1 December 2021.
• Says the export would follow a Memorandum of Understanding dated 23 July 2021 between Windsor Detroit Borderlink Limited and Detroit Windsor Tunnel Corp.
• The CER’s Commission is inviting written comments before deciding. Written submissions are due by 18 October 2021; the applicant may file responses by 31 October 2021.
• The application is available on the CER website and the applicant will provide a copy on request.

Who's affected#

• Windsor Detroit Borderlink Limited (the applicant) and Detroit Windsor Tunnel Corp. (the MOU partner).
• People and organizations involved in cross‑border electricity trade, including local grid operators and utilities near the Windsor–Detroit area.
• The general public and any interested party who wants to comment to the CER before it makes a decision.
• The notice does not list specific customers or community impacts; it is unclear from the item exactly who would use or receive the exported power.

Why it matters#

• This is a request to move electricity across the Canada–U.S. border for a long term (30 years). That can affect how local grid capacity is used and how cross‑border power arrangements are managed.
• The CER is asking for public views, so nearby residents, local utilities, and other stakeholders have a chance to raise concerns or support before a permit or licence decision is made.
• The application links to a private agreement (the MOU), so the outcome could enable a specific commercial arrangement between the named companies.