The federal government says transmission projects involving Alberta and Saskatchewan will be priorities as Canada works to build a stronger, more connected electricity grid.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced the priority projects following discussions at the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in Yellowknife.
Ottawa says the work is part of a broader effort to improve energy security, affordability and reliability as electricity demand is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades.
Alberta-Saskatchewan intertie targeted
One of the projects being prioritized is an upgrade to the Alberta-Saskatchewan intertie.
The project would replace and enhance the McNeill converter station near Medicine Hat with updated technology.
The federal government says the upgrade would increase electricity trade capacity between Alberta and Saskatchewan by about 250 megawatts and extend the lifespan of the existing intertie.
Ottawa says stronger interties can help provinces share electricity more efficiently, support grid reliability and improve energy affordability.
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Saskatchewan-Manitoba expansion included
The federal government is also prioritizing the Saskatchewan-Manitoba intertie expansion.
The scalable project would expand transfer capability by up to two gigawatts along the Regina-Winnipeg corridor.
Ottawa says the expansion would significantly strengthen the energy partnership between Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Alberta-B.C. connection also highlighted
The federal government also identified restoring capability on the Alberta-British Columbia intertie as a priority.
That work would increase electricity trade capacity between the two provinces by about 150 megawatts.
Ottawa says the project would support reliability and affordability for both Albertans and British Columbians.
National strategy in development
The federal government announced in May that it is developing a National Electricity Strategy.
Consultations are underway with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, utilities and unions.
Ottawa says one major focus will be connecting Canada’s fragmented electricity grids through new and expanded transmission lines.
The federal government has also referred its Transmission InterConnect Investment Strategy to the Major Projects Office, which will identify high-priority transmission projects and possible financial tools to help move them forward.
Hodgson said intertie projects are central to building a stronger Canadian economy.
“By working together, we can ensure every Canadian from coast to coast to coast can rely on secure, homegrown electricity to support our national security, economic growth and a sustainable, affordable future,” Hodgson said in a release.
The federal government says it will work with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and utilities to build a more connected and secure electricity system.