Coordination and Community Engagement for a Net-Zero Grid

Pembina Institute comments and recommendations

Rapidly decarbonizing the electrical grid is essential to decarbonizing every other sector of the economy. In response to the Electricity Advisory Council's investigation into the barriers and solutions to achieving a net-zero grid in Canada, we have prepared recommendations and supporting examples from other jurisdictions. Proactive thinking, provincial- and territorial-coordination, timely and respectful community engagement, and support for Indigenous participation in the electricity system are essential to achieving an equitable transition to a net-zero grid in Canada.

We appreciate the council's focus on legislative and procedural modification; while they can be challenging to implement, these kinds of systemic changes are required to accelerate the energy transition. Increased coordination between provinces and territories, each with a unique electricity system, will also be needed to achieve the nationwide target of a low carbon grid by 2035.