OTTAWA— Jason Dion, Senior Research Director at the Canadian Climate Institute, made the following statement in response to the release of the federal government’s final Clean Electricity Regulations and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for clean electricity:
“The federal government’s final Clean Electricity Regulations are pragmatic, flexible, and achievable, and part of a larger package of measures designed to help keep electricity affordable and reliable.
“Producing and using more clean electricity is foundational to meeting Canada’s climate goals, attracting investment and remaining competitive. The final regulations will help provinces and territories make the necessary investments in bigger, cleaner, and smarter electricity systems, while allowing some flexibility when it comes to limited use of gas generation in the interim. This added flexibility in design—combined with the billions of dollars in support for provinces and territories through the Investment Tax Credit for clean electricity—will make the regulations more achievable.
“The final ITC for clean electricity includes a newly-announced requirement for province-led energy roadmaps that detail how a jurisdiction intends to develop its energy system in line with Canada’s 2050 climate goals. This kind of simple condition, as recommended by the Canada Electricity Advisory Council and other experts, helps provide needed policy clarity for provincial utilities and regulators—while respecting provinces’ jurisdiction over electricity.
“Demand for electricity is only going to grow in the decades ahead. As it does, governments need to prioritize keeping electricity affordable and reliable. Done right, the transition to clean electricity can save people money and reduce energy bills. Our research has shown that, by switching from fossil fuels to clean electricity, Canadian households could spend 12 per cent less on energy, on average, by 2050.
“Many provinces and territories are already making big progress building bigger, cleaner, and smarter electricity systems, and these policy announcements will help accelerate that progress. Those governments have the tools and authorities necessary to drive a cost-effective transition that prioritizes electricity affordability and reliability for households and businesses across Canada—and the ball is now in their court.”
RESOURCES
- Report: Clean Electricity, Affordable Energy: How federal and provincial governments can save Canadians money on the path to net zero.
- 440 Megatonnes Insight: Provinces and territories are making big progress on clean electricity
- 440 Megatonnes Insight: Electrification is the linchpin of Canada’s climate policy progress
- 440 Megatonnes Insight: Four insights about the future of electricity in Canada
- 440 Megatonnes Insight: The solution to volatile energy prices? Switching to clean electricity
CONTACT
Krystal Northey (Pacific Time)
Public Affairs Lead
Canadian Climate Institute
(226) 212-9883
knorthey@climateinstitute.ca
