QSA's Week in Utilities & Power (#33, 2025)
Minister Hodgson set to announce nuclear sector innovation; CER reviews major electricity export applications; FERC processes numerous solar and storage filings; US-EU trade agreement includes LNG procurement; EPA issues technical corrections on climate regulations

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.
Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas and Construction.
Dates: 2025-08-17 to 2025-08-23
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Canadian Federal GR News
Minister Hodgson to Announce Nuclear Sector Innovation
On August 19, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, will deliver an announcement concerning innovation in Canada's nuclear sector, with the event livestreamed via Bruce Power’s YouTube channel. Accredited media are required to pre-register. Industry participants may anticipate further disclosures related to advancements in nuclear technology, aligning with Ottawa’s ongoing support for the sector. This initiative marks Natural Resources Canada’s continued engagement with nuclear generation, transmission, and associated innovations.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CER Reviews Large-Scale Electricity Export Applications
Powell River Energy Inc. applied to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) for authorization to export up to 700,000 MWh of firm and interruptible electricity annually over 30 years, involving assets in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. The CER invited written submissions from interested parties by September 25, 2025, particularly regarding impacts on non-exporting provinces and the applicant’s obligations to domestic buyers. Response filings are due by October 10. The process will determine whether domestic electricity consumers receive offers on par with export terms, potentially affecting market dynamics in regions where Powell River Energy operates.
Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca
ENMAX Seeks Ten-Year Electricity Export Authorization
ENMAX Energy Marketing Inc. submitted an application to the CER for approval to export up to 200,000 MWh each of firm and interruptible electricity annually for up to 10 years, leveraging assets within Calgary city limits, Rocky View County, and the Tsuut’ina Nation (Alberta). Interested parties have until October 4 to submit views on regional impacts and fairness of conditions for Canadian buyers. ENMAX will have the opportunity to respond to submissions by October 19, outlining its approach to balancing domestic and export market offers.
Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca
Government Invests in Medical Isotope Expansion at Bruce Power
On August 19, Minister Tim Hodgson announced a joint federal-First Nation-Bruce Power initiative to scale medical isotope production at the Tiverton CANDU Unit 6 reactor, with additional support for the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. The project—funded through the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE), with $35 million earmarked over five years—will increase production of lutetium-177, a key input for targeted cancer therapies, using Canada’s commercial nuclear infrastructure. Since 2020, Ottawa invested $2.5 billion in 43 projects in the biomanufacturing and therapeutics sector. This expansion positions Canada to maintain domestic supply and expand medical isotope exports, reinforcing the country’s stature in both energy and life-science sectors.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Minister Dabrusin and FCM to Announce Climate Adaptation Funding for Communities
On August 22, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will announce new federal funding supporting local climate adaptation projects across Canada. The announcement in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, targets municipal developments, with a subsequent media availability reserved for in-person attendees. The initiative offers municipalities resources for infrastructure resilience, with potential industry implications for distributed energy infrastructure and community energy projects. Registration required through Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal Government Supports Housing Innovation in Southern Ontario
FedDev Ontario, under Minister Evan Solomon, is investing nearly $12 million in six Ontario-based businesses and organizations to accelerate manufacturing innovation in the housing sector. The University of Windsor receives $2 million for a net-zero student residence featuring 3D printing construction, alongside $2.5 million for BK Cornerstone Design Build to deploy automated wall panel manufacturing. Funding is channeled through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative, aiming to enhance energy efficiency, affordability, and build time in the context of Canada’s housing supply and related utility demands.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Upcoming PacifiCan Investment to Spur Innovation in Homegrown Technologies
Minister Gregor Robertson of Housing and Infrastructure (PacifiCan) is scheduled to announce new investments to foster sustainable technology growth and economic resilience in Coquitlam, BC, on August 25. These investments are expected to benefit local technology and energy industries, with implications for jobs, local infrastructure, and the development of resilient supply chains in the region. RSVP is required for event details.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Natural Gas Transmission, Storage, and Distribution Data Released (June 2025)
Statistics Canada published June data on natural gas transmission, storage, and distribution. Industry participants can access operational-level data for use in market analyses, utility management, and forecasting.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Monthly Energy Transportation and Storage Survey (June 2025) Data Available
June data covering the transportation and storage of crude oil and other liquid petroleum products was made available by Statistics Canada this week. The dataset supports planning and performance tracking across pipeline, transmission, and storage sectors.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
July Refined Petroleum Products Production and Inventory Data Available
Statistics Canada released July figures for production and inventories of refined petroleum products, accessible upon request. The data provides insight for energy trading, procurement, and supply chain management in downstream oil markets.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
US Federal GR News
FERC Processes Major Solar, Storage, and Rate Filings Across US Power Markets
Between August 19 and 21, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued multiple notices covering electric corporate, rate, and exempt wholesale generator filings. Entities such as Cherry Solar LLC, Pinnington Solar LLC, and Kearsarge Sterling LLC submitted self-certifications and market rate applications, reflecting significant movement in renewable and storage facility markets.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
US-EU Joint Framework Agreement Targets Energy Security and LNG Procurement
On August 21, the US and European Union unveiled a Framework Agreement covering reciprocal, tariff-free industrial trade, market access for US agricultural goods, and negotiations on rules of origin, digital trade, and cybersecurity standards. The EU committed to significant procurement of US liquefied natural gas, AI chips, and defense equipment in coming years.
Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov
EPA Issues Technical Corrections to Oil and Gas Sector Climate Rule Deadlines
The Environmental Protection Agency published corrections to the comment period deadlines for three climate-related rules, impacting oil and natural gas sector emissions requirements, as well as air toxics standards for iron, steel, and coke oven facilities.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Canadian Provincial GR News
Alberta Funds Pilot Projects for Waste-to-Energy and Wastewater Systems
Alberta’s government is allocating $10 million to help the towns of Cardston and Peace River pilot new technologies for treating wastewater and converting waste into energy, under the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
Ontario Supports New Theranostics Cancer Centre with $500,000 Donation
Ontario province accepted a $500,000 donation from Laurentis Energy Partners to establish the Silber Family Theranostics Centre at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, advancing medical isotope-based diagnosis and treatments.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca
Quebec Hosts 10th Annual Global Mining Finance Conference
Quebec’s General Delegation in New York participated in the CTMF conference, presenting the province’s critical minerals strategy and infrastructure advantages to international mining and finance stakeholders.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Quebec and California Hold 44th Joint Greenhouse Gas Emission Units Auction
On August 20, Quebec and California offered nearly 59 million emission units for auction as part of their joint cap-and-trade system. Auction results will be posted August 27.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
What We're Reading This Week
- B.C. Energy Minister wants to lead in clean power at home while exporting fossil fuels abroad: Coverage of BC’s approach to balancing clean electricity with fossil fuel exports.
- Citing rising costs and need, Maritime Electric amends its $427M fossil fuel generator plan: Maritime Electric revises its fossil fuel generator proposal amid cost pressures.
- QEC proposes new standby charge for businesses going green: Nunavut’s QEC introduces a new charge affecting business transition to greener infrastructure.
- Can N.B. Power deliver on its projects? Is Point Lepreau doomed? Review team hopes to find answers: N.B. Power faces scrutiny over its project delivery and the future of Point Lepreau.
- Cenovus, Enbridge accused of 'greenwashing' under securities law in what may be a first for Canada: Cenovus and Enbridge are named in a securities law case concerning greenwashing claims.
- Trump blames renewable energy for rising electricity prices. Experts point elsewhere: Debates intensify on the causes of rising US electricity prices.
- ACG Metals Limited to Present at the Clean Energy Metals Virtual Investor Conference August 28th: ACG Metals to showcase its clean energy metals strategy.