New Report Shows Canadian Electricity Sector Further Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 10%

Ottawa (NOVEMBER 27, 2019) – Members of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) continue to excel in sustainability performance from lowering greenhouse gas emissions to investing in the electricity grid of the future. In fact, the electricity sector continued to reduce its carbon footprint, while investing in communities, people, infrastructure and innovative new technologies. The CEA’s Sustainable Electricity report, Resilient Assets and Sustainable Outcomes, demonstrates the sector’s collective commitment to addressing the issues of national significance to Canadians.
“Sustainability remains core to our industry’s work and will play an important role as our member companies seek to further enhance their relationships with local communities and customers across this vast country,” says President and CEO of CEA, Francis Bradley. “These companies are committed advancing the new digital economy that would enable greater connectivity and convenience for our customers, all while providing reliable, sustainable and affordable power to Canadians.”
Director of Membership and Sustainability Janice Garcia noted, “The resiliency of our utility members inspires us to continue to push towards more sustainable solutions in our industry. This year’s report, highlighting GHG reductions of 10% over a year period is yet another win for our industry and the country. We are constantly motivated to evolve our approaches and work towards the common goal of carbon-reduction.” The Sustainable Electricity program also encourages development of robust relationships with Indigenous Peoples including extensive business arrangements and innovative partnership-based approaches. Through an integrated view of generation, transmission and distribution services provided to Canadians, CEA members are recognized in this report for their dedication and commitment to sustainability which are highlighted within the pillars below. Pillar 1: Low Carbon Future
  • TC Energy converts the waste heat from gas turbine exhaust from one of its compressor stations into emissions-free electricity using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide as the heat recovery fluid.
Pillar 2: Infrastructure Renewal and Modernization
  • Manitoba Hydro’s $4.7 billion Bipole III transmission project meets the energy capacity to retire Manitoba Hydro’s last coal-burning unit.
Pillar 3: Building Relationships
  • Hydro Quebec sought local input for in preparation to connect the Îles-de-la-Madeleine to the main provincial grid via a 225-km underwater link to accommodate fishing activity.
Pillar 4: Risk Management Systems
  • FortisAlberta continues the promotion of its public electrical safety campaign to working who citizens are more at risk of electrical injury.
Pillar 5: Business Excellence
  • Saskatoon Light and Power uses predictive outage analysis to better identify the location and probable cause of outages.
Please review the full report to find out more of the initiatives of CEA’s utility members. - 30 – About the Canadian Electricity Association Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) members generate, transmit and distribute electrical energy to industrial, commercial, residential and institutional customers across Canada every day. From vertically integrated electric utilities, independent power producers, transmission and distribution companies, to power marketers, to the manufacturers and suppliers of materials, technology and services that keep the industry running smoothly -- all are represented by this national industry association. For additional information, please contact: Sarah Robinson Director of Communications and Marketing Canadian Electricity Association T 613.301.8526 robinson@electricity.ca