Electricity Sector Continues to Play a Key Role in Limiting Canadaʼs GHG Emissions

OTTAWA, Ontario - May 15, 2015. The federal government today announced its intention to proceed with new regulations aimed at limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new natural gas-fired electricity generation facilities.

“Canada’s electricity generators have been working with the federal government on options to limit GHGs from new natural gas-fired facilities, and look forward to reviewing and providing feedback on proposed regulations once published in the Canada Gazette,” said CEA President and CEO, the Honourable Sergio Marchi.

Natural gas-fired generation accounts for approximately 13 per cent of electricity sector GHG emissions, and represents about 2 per cent of total Canadian GHG emissions.

The electricity sector is already facing significant GHG emissions reductions resulting from the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation. Approximately 70 per cent of coal-fired generation will be shut down in Canada by 2030. Electricity is the only Canadian industrial sector projected to reduce emissions by 2020.

“We hope the Government of Canada will build on today’s announcement by continuing to work with our members to ensure proposed regulations provide certainty and balance that will ensure our sector can continue to enhance Canadaʼs position as a world leader in non- and lower-emitting electricity generation,” Marchi added.

To access today’s announcement by the federal government, click here.