Ottawa is scheduled to release regulations by year-end to compel utilities toward net-zero. Electricity generation is Canada’s fourth-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. climatechange hydro canada
But capitalizing on that advantage is complicated by the fact that Canada’s 10 provinces regulate utilities independently and trade little renewable power among themselves, even if hydro-generating provinces border on those producing high emissions. Some, like fossil fuel-burning Saskatchewan and Alberta, say the federal government’s plan for a 2035 net-zero grid is unrealistic.We deliver the local news you need in these turbulent times on weekdays at 3 p.m.
Unlike Canada, the United States has a federal electricity regulator and mostly delivers power through regionally integrated systems, which may make it more nimble to transform the grid. Saskatchewan will develop its own lower-emitting sources rather than aggressively expand hydropower purchases from neighboring Manitoba, to capture greater economic benefit, said Don Morgan, the provincial minister responsible for SaskPower, the government-owned, main electric utility in Saskatchewan.
Asked what he will do if some provinces do not comply by 2035, Canadian Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said he hopes the governments can collaborate. Wilkinson said the net-zero goal and grid expansion is his department’s top priority, and expects Ottawa to increase financial support for provinces in next year’s budget. The government has already committed at least C$1.5 billion over multiple years, said the minister’s spokesperson.Article content