Electricity Canada’s Response to the Clean Electricity Regulations: Insights from Jason Doering, P.Eng

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September 28, 2025

Clean Electricity Regulations Threaten Canada‘s Energy and AI Ambitions

Ottawa – Canada’s aspirations to establish itself as a leading energy producer and a hub for Artificial Intelligence innovation may be compromised by current federal energy policies, according to industry leaders. A growing chorus of voices is calling for a reassessment, and ultimately, the repeal of the Clean Electricity regulations (CER).

The Call for Policy Change

Prime Minister Mark Carney has recently championed nation-building initiatives, including bolstering Canada’s energy sector and fostering the growth of AI. Minister of AI and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, has further underscored these goals with the proclamation of a dedicated AI Strategy Task Force. However, stakeholders argue the existing CER actively obstructs the necessary investment to reliably meet rising electricity demand and capitalize on the burgeoning data center industry.

impact on Energy Investment

The core concern centers around the perceived risk created by the CER, which has reportedly frozen investment in natural gas-fired generation facilities – a crucial component for ensuring grid stability, especially as demand surges. Provinces reliant on gas for energy security, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, deem the regulations infeasible.

Electricity Canada, the industry association representing Canadian electricity providers, asserts that natural gas remains essential for safe and affordable electricity delivery until scalable choice technologies become commercially viable. Self-reliant system operators have similarly expressed uncertainty regarding the achievability of the CER while maintaining grid reliability.

Economic Consequences Foreseen

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has issued a stark warning: Without additional, economically sound energy sources, Alberta could face power shortages by the mid-2030s. The AESO’s analysis further suggests the CER mandates the premature adoption of unproven technologies,introducing operational risks and possibly undermining system reliability. They project the regulations could make Alberta’s electricity grid over 100 times less reliable than current standards by 2038.

Furthermore, the AESO estimates the CER will necessitate an additional $30 billion in capital and operating expenditures between 2024 and 2049. Wholesale electricity prices are forecast to increase by 35 percent between 2035 and 2050 as a direct result of the regulations.

Province	Reliance on Gas-Fired Generation	CER Impact
Alberta	High	Important risk of power shortages, increased costs.
Saskatchewan	High	Challenges to grid reliability and affordability.
Ontario	Moderate	Potential for increased electricity prices and investment uncertainty.

Did You No? Canada’s electricity mix varies significantly by province, with some heavily reliant on hydroelectric power while others depend more on fossil fuels.
Pro Tip: Understanding your province’s energy profile is crucial for assessing the potential impacts of national energy policies.

A Plea for Pragmatism

Industry leaders are urging Prime Minister Carney and Minister Solomon to prioritize pragmatic solutions. The call is for a repeal of the CER, allowing provinces the flexibility to responsibly develop their power systems and unlock Canada’s economic potential. The argument is clear: a reliable and affordable energy supply is foundational to both energy independence and leadership in the AI revolution.

The Future of Canadian Energy

Canada’s energy landscape is undergoing a period of significant transformation. Driven by climate change commitments and technological advancements, the country is exploring a range of options, from renewable energy sources like wind and solar to nuclear power and carbon capture technologies. Navigating this transition requires careful consideration of economic realities, technological feasibility, and grid reliability. The conversation around the CER highlights the delicate balance between ambitious environmental goals and practical energy needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Clean Electricity Regulations

Q: What are the Clean Electricity Regulations?

A: The clean Electricity Regulations are a set of federal rules designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in Canada.

Q: Why are some provinces opposed to the CER?

A: Provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario argue the regulations are infeasible given their reliance on natural gas and present significant risks to grid reliability.

Q: What is the AESO’s role in this debate?

A: The Alberta Electric System operator has warned that the CER could led to power shortages and substantially increase electricity costs in Alberta.

Q: How could repealing the CER impact Canada’s energy sector?

A: Repealing the CER could encourage investment in electricity generation and potentially improve grid reliability, supporting economic growth and AI development.

Q: What alternatives are being considered to address climate change and ensure a reliable electricity supply?

A: Possible alternatives include investing in carbon capture technologies,expanding renewable energy sources alongside natural gas,and exploring advanced nuclear technologies.

What are your thoughts on the future of energy in Canada? Do you believe the current regulations strike the right balance between environmental protection and economic growth? share your opinions in the comments below!

What are teh primary concerns of Electricity Canada regarding the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER)?

Electricity Canada’s Response too the Clean electricity Regulations: Insights from Jason Doering, P.Eng

Understanding the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER)

The Canadian federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations (CER), finalized in August 2024, represent a pivotal shift in Canada’s energy landscape. Aiming for a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, the regulations set performance standards for new gas-fired electricity generation and require existing gas plants to reduce emissions or retire early. This has sparked considerable debate and analysis within the Canadian electricity sector. Understanding the nuances of these regulations, and the industry’s response, is crucial for stakeholders across the board – from utilities and independent power producers to consumers and policymakers. Key terms frequently searched include “Canada electricity regulations,” “net-zero electricity grid,” and “gas plant emissions reduction.”

Electricity Canada’s Core Concerns & position

Electricity Canada, the voice of Canada’s electric utilities, has publicly articulated several key concerns regarding the CER. Jason Doering, P.Eng, a leading technical advisor at Electricity Canada, has been instrumental in communicating these concerns and advocating for a pragmatic approach to decarbonization.

Hear’s a breakdown of their primary position:

* Reliability & Affordability: Electricity Canada stresses the paramount importance of maintaining a reliable and affordable electricity supply. They argue that the rapid phase-out of natural gas generation, without sufficient replacement capacity from non-emitting sources, could jeopardize grid stability, especially during peak demand. Searches related to “grid reliability Canada” and “affordable electricity Canada” are increasing.

* Provincial Jurisdiction: A central argument revolves around the constitutional division of powers, with electricity primarily falling under provincial jurisdiction. electricity Canada contends that the federal government’s approach risks infringing upon provincial authority and creating inconsistencies across the country. “Federal-provincial energy disputes” is a related search term.

* Technological Readiness: The regulations assume the rapid deployment of technologies like carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and small modular reactors (SMRs). Electricity Canada questions whether these technologies will be commercially viable and scalable within the mandated timeframe.”CCUS technology Canada” and “SMR reactors Canada” are frequently searched.

* Interprovincial Transmission: Expanding interprovincial transmission infrastructure is vital for accessing clean electricity resources from regions with abundant hydro, wind, and solar power. Electricity Canada emphasizes the need for accelerated investment in transmission projects,but acknowledges the significant challenges involved in securing approvals and financing. “Interprovincial transmission lines Canada” is a key search phrase.

Jason Doering,P.Eng: A Technical Viewpoint

Jason Doering’s insights,ofen shared thru industry conferences and publications,highlight the technical complexities of achieving a net-zero grid by 2035. He consistently emphasizes the need for a systems-level approach, considering the interconnectedness of generation, transmission, and distribution.

Doering’s key points include:

* The Role of Natural Gas as a Transition Fuel: While acknowledging the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, doering argues that natural gas can play a crucial role as a flexible and dispatchable resource during the transition to a fully decarbonized grid. He advocates for utilizing natural gas plants equipped with CCUS technology to minimize emissions.

* The Importance of Energy Storage: Large-scale energy storage solutions, such as pumped hydro storage and battery storage, are essential for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Doering stresses the need for significant investment in energy storage infrastructure. “Energy storage solutions Canada” is a growing search term.

* Modeling & Scenario Planning: Electricity Canada has conducted extensive modeling and scenario planning to assess the impacts of the CER. These analyses suggest that achieving the 2035 target will require unprecedented levels of investment and coordination across the electricity sector.

* Regional Variations: Canada’s electricity grid is highly regionalized, with different provinces relying on different energy sources. Doering emphasizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to decarbonization is unlikely to be effective. Policies must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each province.

Impacts on Provincial Electricity Systems: Case Studies

The CER’s impact will vary significantly across provinces. Here are a few examples:

* Alberta: Alberta, heavily reliant on coal and natural gas for electricity generation, faces the most significant challenges in complying with the CER. The province is exploring options such as CCUS and hydrogen production, but the costs and timelines remain uncertain. “Alberta electricity transition” is a frequently searched term.

* ontario: Ontario, with its large nuclear fleet, is relatively well-positioned to meet the 2035 target. However, the province will still need to invest in renewable energy and energy storage to replace aging nuclear reactors and accommodate growing electricity demand.”Ontario electricity grid” is a common search.

* Quebec: Quebec, with its abundant hydroelectric resources, already has one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world. The province is focused on expanding its hydroelectric capacity and exporting clean electricity to other provinces. “Quebec hydropower” is a popular search.

* Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan, similar to Alberta, relies heavily on fossil fuels.The province is exploring CCUS and SMRs as potential pathways to decarbonization. “Saskatchewan energy policy” is a relevant search term.