Canada frames rules for netzero emissions by 2035

The Canadian government published its proposed Frame for the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER). The CER rule making process is intended to arrive at a clear basis for provinces and territories to plan and operate their electricity grids, while also delivering reliable and affordable electricity to Canadians.

The regulations are being developed around three core principles including maximising greenhouse gas reductions to achieve net-zero emissions from the electricity grid by 2035, to ensure electricity grid reliability to support a strong economy and guarantee Canadians’ safety by having access to secure energy that supports their cooling needs in the summer and warmth in the winter; and maintaining electricity affordability for homeowners and businesses.

The CER is intended to help provide long-term regulatory certainty while also encouraging the increased deployment of non-emitting electricity options such as wind, solar and small modular reactors.

The CER would regulate carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generating units that meet all of the following criteria: Combust any amount of fossil fuel for the purpose of generating electricity; have a capacity above a small megawatt threshold (value to be determined); and offer electricity for sale onto a regulated electricity system.