Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is seeking input on the regulatory and market barrier implications of accelerating the pace of electrification and electricity grid modernization to meet Canada’s net zero goals. The PWU believes that NRCan’s underlying premise is flawed. The real barrier is the timely creation of new low-carbon baseload generation. The existing regulatory framework is workable, however, the market focused procurement framework existent in Ontario and Alberta is ill-suited to meet these needs. The PWU recommends that NRCan clarify the facts around viable electrification options, assess the timeline implications on bulk system infrastructure development, focus federal efforts on accelerating new large-scale low-carbon generation such as nuclear, and minimize the cost of the electricity system.
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pwu-submission-to-nrcan-on-grid-modernization-march-23-2023