1900-1919

• Electricity trade between Canada and the U.S. begins in 1901, with a transmission line built at Niagara Falls. Canada's abundant hydroelectric power ensures that most of the benefits will subsequently flow in a northerly direction.
• The same Niagara generating station, built to supply
• southern Ontario communities, stimulates Canada's world expertise in long-distance transmission.
• In 1902, a strike in Pennsylvania's coal fields halts coal
• shipments to Ontario, and provides impetus for the formation of Ontario Hydro.
• In 1903, the world's longest transmission line (136 km) is built to transmit 50 kV from Shawinigan Electric Company to Montreal.
• Calgary Power is formed in 1909, and develops into the largest investor-owned utility in Canada. As TransAlta, it now provides two thirds of Alberta's electricity.
• In 1912, the world's first completely electric steel mill is built for the Steel Company of Canada. This event is followed a year later by Canada's first reversible mine hoist.