Vancouver (February 12, 2020) Today, the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) released the 2020 State of the Canadian Electricity Industry at Globe Series, which convenes leaders from business, government, and civil society to share knowledge to accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy future. Emphasizing the pace and scope of transformation in the electricity sector, the recommendations within the report will guide CEA’s thought leadership and advocacy in the year ahead.
The Canadian electricity industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented change through electrification, reconfigured governments and competitive markets. The need for a coordinated, proactive and collaborative approach to achieve Canada’s decarbonization goals, while meeting increasing demands on the grid, is the catalyst for the report.
“The future is bright for electricity, but we also recognize that in order to reach our goals we need to develop innovative solutions across all sectors,” noted Francis Bradley, President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association. “The creation of a national strategy to guide electrification remains a key CEA policy objective and is at the forefront of our recommendations.”
The overall theme of transformation is inspired by electrification, the integration of new technologies, prospective changes in the regulatory environment and the continued decarbonization of the electricity sector. The report also makes specific recommendations within the following topics:
- Innovating for a secure future
- Decarbonization, electrification and climate resiliency
- Meeting the needs of customers and communities
- Federal regulations and cumulative burden
- Provincial electricity markets & economic regulation
The electricity sector has also been central to Canada’s ability to address climate change. More than 80% of power produced in Canada is non-emitting, and the sector has reduced GHG emissions by 30% since 2005. Electricity is integral to Canada’s clean energy future.
“To meet emissions reduction targets by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, it is imperative that governments provide long term, stable and predictable policy frameworks,” stated Channa S. Perera, Vice President of Policy Development at CEA. “There is also a need to build in greater flexibility that accounts for regional resource differences.”
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