Utilities & Power

QSA's Week in Utilities & Power (#18, 2025)

CNSC details new nuclear regulatory priorities; Tribunal ends probe on U.S. renewable diesel; CER reviews Basin Electric U.S. export application; Calls for comments on cross-border electricity; Trade inquiry closure affects importers.

Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements, and other government-related news concerning power generation and transmission, wind and solar, utilities, midstream companies, batteries and energy storage, LNG, biofuels and nuclear. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10

Top Headlines

Main Stories

CNSC President Addresses Nuclear Sector Regulatory Readiness and Efficiency

Pierre Tremblay, President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), delivered a keynote at the 2025 Canadian Nuclear Association conference, outlining the regulator’s focus on maintaining oversight of the existing nuclear fleet and readiness for new nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs). Tremblay cited the recent CNSC issuance of a power reactor construction licence to Ontario Power Generation for a General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor at Darlington, the first such licence in over 50 years. The CNSC indicated ongoing efforts to clarify regulatory requirements for SMRs through a technology-neutral, risk-informed approach, and noted plans to amend Nuclear Security Regulations to address evolving security threats. The regulator emphasized the importance of timely regulatory decisions and collaboration with provincial and international partners as Canada’s nuclear landscape evolves.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Terminates Renewable Diesel Injury Inquiry

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined on May 5 that evidence does not support claims that U.S. renewable diesel imports are causing injury to Canadian producers. As a result, the Tribunal has ended its preliminary injury inquiry under the Special Import Measures Act, and the Canada Border Services Agency will terminate associated dumping and subsidizing investigations. No final injury inquiry will proceed, affecting the regulatory outlook for renewable diesel importers and domestic producers.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Basin Electric Power Cooperative Seeks CER Approval to Export Electricity to United States

Basin Electric Power Cooperative applied to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) for authorization to export up to 75,000 MWh of combined firm and interruptible energy annually to the United States over a ten-year period. The CER has opened the application for public comment, requesting submissions by June 9, 2025, on the impact of the proposed exports on other provinces and on the Applicant’s process for offering electricity to Canadian buyers. Parties interested in participating are directed to file submissions online or via email, with the application available through the CER website.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Approves Construction of Four SMRs at Darlington Nuclear Site

The Ontario government approved Ontario Power Generation’s plan to construct four small modular reactors at the Darlington site, targeting 1,200 MW of new baseload capacity to address projected electricity demand increases by 2050.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario’s Energy Minister Schedules Media Availability on Nuclear Project

Minister Stephen Lecce will provide remarks and answer media questions in Clarington regarding Ontario’s nuclear energy plans on May 8, 2025.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Releases 10-Year Peak Flow Hydrology Data

The Government of British Columbia updated its dataset on 10-year peak flow isolines for 100 square kilometre watersheds, providing historical streamflow information relevant to hydroelectric planning.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

British Columbia Updates Province-Wide Dam Location Dataset

BC’s public spatial data on dam locations and water licensing has been refreshed, offering new information for water management and hydroelectric infrastructure.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

MP Jamil Jivani Expresses Support for Darlington Nuclear License Renewal

MP Jamil Jivani announced via social media his written support to the CNSC for renewing the Darlington NGS Power Reactor Operating License.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jasraj Singh Hallan Criticizes Federal Energy Policies Affecting Alberta

MP Jasraj Singh Hallan stated that Alberta’s energy sector continues to contribute over $120 billion to the economy despite federal project cancellations.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jasraj Singh Hallan Challenges Pipeline and Oil Production Legislation

MP Jasraj Singh Hallan reiterated opposition to Bill C-69 and the oil and gas production cap, calling the legislation harmful to Alberta’s energy sector.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Adam Chambers Comments on Federal Energy Taxation During Inflation

MP Adam Chambers questioned the government’s timing of energy tax increases during the inflation crisis, noting the contrast with other countries’ approaches.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Seamus O'Regan Highlights Strategic Role of Critical Minerals and Mining

MP Seamus O'Regan promoted mining and critical minerals as central to Canada’s future industrial strategy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP James Maloney Discusses Solar Power in Ukrainian Business Ties

MP James Maloney referenced a meeting with Ukrainian business representatives and noted the use of solar-powered infrastructure for resilience during blackouts.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Charles Adler Responds to U.S. Subsidy Claims

Senator Charles Adler disputed assertions that Canada is subsidized by the U.S., citing Canadian production of oil, gas, and electricity as key to powering the U.S. economy.