The Push for Electrification and a Net-Zero Grid: Developments, Reactions, and Implications

Authors

  • Deirdre Sheehan
  • Vivek Warrier
  • Jake Sadikman
  • Laura Scott

Abstract

Canada’s Draft Clean Electricity Regulations are poised to play a key role in achieving the federal government’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. If implemented in their current state, the Draft Clean Electricity Regulations will place significant restrictions on electricity generation that is not low or non-emitting — restrictions which sometimes conflict with the interests and priorities of provincial governments. This article surveys the policy and legislative trends which have arisen across Canada from this federal-provincial dynamic — including concerns over electricity resource adequacy, climate goals, and grid stability. Pursuing aggressive electrification will require major shifts from the status quo, but law and policy should seek to balance the priorities of different jurisdictions rather than imposing a singular one-size-fits-all approach.

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Published

2025-01-08

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Section

Articles