Electricity demand is expected to double in Canada by 2050.
The federal government says it is working with provinces and territories to build a more interconnected national electricity system via its formal plan, “Powering Canada Forward: Canada’s National Electricity Strategy.”
In this vein, the Premiers of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance the Maritime Regional Electricity Co-operation and System Integration project.
The MOU establishes a collaborative process to identify regulatory and operational opportunities as well as develop a shared roadmap for a more integrated energy system in the Maritimes.
“Building a more efficient and better-connected electricity system is essential to our energy security, economic growth, and the affordable cost of living Canadians rightly expect,” stated Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“Only through collaboration can we truly build a reliable, affordable, and clean electricity system that will benefit Canadians for generations,” the federal minister remarked.
“The federal government is bringing Atlantic provinces together to better connect our electricity grids,” commented Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “By planning together instead of separately, we’ll make better use of the electricity we already generate.”
“As provinces, we are stronger when we work together,” posits Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island. “This agreement brings the Maritime provinces together to strengthen regional electricity planning and build a more connected system that benefits everyone.”
Nova Scotia “has made significant advances in modernizing our electricity system,” says premier Tim Houston, “and we owe it to ratepayers to keep looking ahead at what more can be done.”
“If this review shows that regional collaboration will generate cost savings and value for Nova Scotians and improve reliability across all three provinces, then we would be very interested in new approaches,” he said.