Canada's electric future

Electrification is key to decarbonising the economy so that Canada can achieve its climate goals.

The Canadian Electricity Advisory Council, mandated to promote sustainable, affordable and reliable electricity systems and accelerate investment in them, organized an engagement event on the actions needed to achieve carbon neutrality in Canada's electricity sector, with the goal of providing definitive, independent advice to the federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The brief submitted in response to this engagement makes several recommendations, the main ones being:

• A long-term focus in planning and developing the changes to be implemented, including open dialogue with all stakeholders throughout the process, based on scenario and modelling exercises that allow for ongoing evaluation of proposed solutions;
• The creation of an independent, pan-Canadian body with sufficient resources to ensure the implementation of the plan through guidance and support for stakeholders, as well as intermediary structures to oversee the necessary collaboration between provinces;
• Cost reduction through a strong industrial strategy that focuses on innovation without neglecting the protection of those with the least resources, whether financial, technical or structural.

For more details on the IET's contribution to this discussion, please consult the brief.

The CCCE's final report, based on the responses received to the engagement activity, was published on 10 June 2024 and is also available below.