Clean Electricity Essential to Net-Zero - The Canadian Electricity Association comments on new federal Climate Plan

December 11, 2020 (Ottawa) - In response to today’s announcement on the Federal Government’s Climate Plan, Francis Bradley, President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association, made the following statement:

“Electricity will be central to Canada achieving net-zero carbon emissions. That’s why the electricity sector is pleased to see clean and affordable power at the centre of the Climate Plan announced by the Federal Government today. This includes commitments of $964 million for grid modernization, $300 million to help reduce the use of diesel generation in remote communities, and significant investments in building retrofits.

“Canada is already a world leader in clean power. More than 80% of the electricity produced is non-emitting and the sector has reduced GHG emissions by more than 45% since 2005. New technologies including hydrogen, small modular reactors, carbon capture and utilization, and energy storage, will help us reduce the rest. This clean energy advantage can be leveraged to decarbonize other sectors, including transportation, industrial processes and more.

“Our sector stands ready to work with the Government to help reach Canada’s climate goals. Together we can expand electricity’s role in Canada’s energy mix in a way that is reliable, safe, affordable and sustainable.”

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Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) members generate, transmit and distribute electrical energy to industrial, commercial, residential and institutional customers across Canada every day. From vertically integrated electric utilities, independent power producers, transmission and distribution companies, to power marketers, to the manufacturers and suppliers of materials, technology and services that keep the industry running smoothly -all are represented by this national industry association.

For Additional Information:

Julia Muggeridge

Vice President, Communications and Marketing

Phone Number: 613.719.9323

muggeridge@electricity.ca