Prime Minister Carney announces forthcoming National Electricity Strategy

Canada’s federal government has launched consultations to develop a National Electricity Strategy, aiming to double the country’s electricity grid capacity by 2050. The strategy addresses projected demand growth, with electricity use expected to double as industries become more energy-intensive. Canada already boasts an 80% clean grid and some of the lowest electricity costs in the G7, positioning it to lead in sustainable and affordable energy solutions. The plan focuses on four key pillars: expanding infrastructure for generation, transmission, and storage; connecting fragmented provincial grids through new transmission lines; training and retaining 130,000 skilled workers needed for the transition; and boosting domestic manufacturing of grid technologies. These efforts aim to reduce energy costs for 7 in 10 Canadian households by up to $15 billion by 2050 while maintaining reliability and affordability. Consultations will involve provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, utilities, and unions to identify cost-effective solutions for grid expansion. The government emphasizes balancing clean energy goals with flexibility for natural gas use to ensure stable energy prices. Investments will also prioritize modernizing the grid to minimize outages and waste, improving overall reliability. The strategy aligns with broader economic goals, supporting Canada’s shift toward a competitive, sustainable future. By fostering domestic manufacturing and workforce development, the plan seeks to create long-term economic opportunities while reducing emissions. The consultations will run over the next few months before finalizing the strategy’s implementation.