Electricity

A carbon-free economy has the power to create change. 

Canada has committed to making its electricity grid net-zero by 2035. Achieving this will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of all Canadians. Every time a light is turned on, or an electric vehicle is charged, it will be done without emissions—we believe this is a future worth working towards.  

Getting to a net-zero future takes time, resources, knowledge and collaboration. Our Electricity Program helps governments, industry and communities take action to decarbonize Canada’s electricity supply.

How do we do this?  

We engage with federal and provincial governments, electricity system operators, utilities, and other industry groups to reimagine the generation, supply and regulation of electricity in Canada.

The shift to a net-zero grid requires modernizing the way electricity is generated, transmitted and used. By reaching net-zero, Canada will:   

• Drastically reduce emissions;
• Improve reliability and affordability of its electricity systems;
• Boost resilience of the grid to extreme weather event

Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) are an effort by the federal government to reduce emissions and increase affordable, reliable electricity. It ensures Canada can continue to attract investments and remain competitive in the low-carbon economy.  

Our work with the Clean Electricity Regulations has encouraged flexibility mechanisms and technology-neutral approaches. This allows each province to identify systems that are responsive to their unique challenges and advantages.  

Allowing provinces to chart their own path to a net-zero grid is an important feature of the Clean Electricity Regulations. However, substantial reform within provinces and territories is required and industry also needs to make investment plans that align with Canada’s clean electricity trajectory. 

Generating electricity with coal has negative effects on our climate and air quality. Thankfully, given the availability of lower-cost, lower-carbon options, Canada’s grid no longer needs coal power. And Canadian electric utilities are making progress towards reducing reliance on coal.

Our work has seen a rapid acceleration in the phase-out of coal across Canada. For example, Alberta plans to switch off its last operational coal-fired plant in 2024, decades ahead of its original 2061 target date. This is a positive example of how well-designed policies and strategic regulations can propel a province towards change. 

Outside of Alberta, there is still work to be done. To push coal-reliant provinces towards phaseout, our work continues to advise on low- and non-emitting sources of electricity. This is key for Canada to continue to make strides towards net-zero.