<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TORONTO \u2014 Evan Pivnick, associate director of public affairs at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to the release of <\/em>Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy<\/em><\/a>: <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cToday\u2019s strategy sends an important signal that electrification and growing our electricity system is the nation-building effort we need to enhance our country\u2019s economic competitiveness and energy security in a rapidly changing world. But while the strategy highlights the strength of Canada\u2019s existing and relatively clean and affordable electricity system, it overstates the role of natural gas and understates the long-term energy security and affordability benefits of clean energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are pleased to see Canada\u2019s focus on doubling Canada\u2019s electricity grids. Electrification offers a transformative opportunity to improve the lives of Canadians: it underlies affordability, energy security, and competitiveness. As consultations proceed, it\u2019s critical that Canada does not lock in its exposure to fossil fuels as the rest of the world takes fuller advantage of the affordability and energy security benefits of clean power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cClean electricity accounts for the majority of new demand growth globally not because it\u2019s clean, but because in most markets around the world, solar or wind represent the cheapest available source of new electricity generation<\/a>. Renewables are set to meet about 95% of global electricity demand growth between 2025 and 2027<\/a>. Backed by the rapidly falling price of batteries, these resources are able to meet an ever-increasing share of the growing demand for electricity. The government\u2019s focus should be on maximizing the cheapest resources available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe strategy contains some strong signals regarding forthcoming initiatives for everyday Canadians. We welcome the commitment to introduce measures to retrofit and electrify one million Canadian homes. Clean Energy Canada analysis<\/a> consistently finds that Canadian households across the country can save hundreds of dollars per month by switching to clean energy options, including heat pumps. These measures must apply broadly across households and heating types to help more Canadians access cost savings and cooling in a warming world. Young families must also not be forgotten in policy design, which should be careful not to exclude them, for example by setting overly strict income or housing type requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe also welcome the government\u2019s commitment to provide further financial support to help double Canada\u2019s electricity grid by 2050 at the lowest cost to ratepayers. The inclusion of demand-side measures (also known as distributed energy resources) such as heat pumps and two-way EV chargers is critical. As our research shows, these technologies play an essential role in meeting growing power demand<\/a> and lowering the costs of grid build-out<\/a> by allowing the electricity we have to be managed smarter, especially during peak periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTransmission is rightfully prioritized in the strategy, and we welcome the referral of a new Transmission InterConnect Investment Strategy to the Major Projects Office, alongside the extension of the Clean Electricity ITC to major high-voltage intra-provincial transmission ties, complementing existing support for provincial interties. The strategy also gets the details right about the role the federal government must play in supporting new interties between provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDoubling the size of Canada\u2019s electricity system is also an economic opportunity in its own right. Underpinning this goal are the wires, components, and technologies that a modern electricity system requires. Supply chains that Canada\u2019s manufacturing sector could feed into. It is vital that the government move quickly on its planned analysis of Canada\u2019s electricity component supply chain and on its commitments of further support for domestic manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut the details will be important. The strategy includes a worrying focus on natural gas, including proposing major changes to the Clean Electricity Regulations. Natural gas has a specific short term role, but only after we’ve maximized clean power solutions. \u201cRenewables offer greater security and lower cost<\/a> and, when paired with batteries and transmission lines, can address many of our energy system needs. Natural gas prices are subject to continental and global price fluctuations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis strategy will work in tandem with the further details promised tomorrow on the government\u2019s plan to strengthen carbon pricing and incentivize industry to electrify. We look forward to Budget 2026 announcements supporting this strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “As Prime Minister Carney recently stated<\/a>, ‘Canada has a clean energy advantage.’ Let’s make sure the implementation of this strategy adequately capitalizes on it.”<\/p>\n