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: 2025-09-14 to 2025-09-20

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ House of Commons Committee Meetings
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

House of Commons Committee Meetings

• Environment and Sustainable Development Committee Briefing on Departmental Priorities: The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development will hold a televised briefing with the Department of the Environment on September 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring senior departmental officials including Assistant Deputy Ministers Linda Drainville, Alison McDermott, Megan Nichols, and Tara Shannon.

Canadian Federal GR News

Federal Government Approves Ksi Lisims LNG Project Following BC Substituted Impact Assessment

On September 15, the federal government approved the Ksi Lisims LNG—Natural Gas Liquefaction and Marine Terminal Project, advancing it to the next stage for permits and authorizations. The decision followed a substituted impact assessment led by British Columbia in collaboration with the Nisga’a Nation, allowing for a 'one project, one review' approach. The Minister's determination considered limited but significant adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, which were judged acceptable in the public interest with mitigation measures. Indigenous economic development, regional economic prospects, and treaty obligations featured in the assessment. Legally binding conditions include safeguards for fish and birds, Indigenous health and socioeconomic factors, and protection of cultural heritage. Ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities and follow-up programs will be implemented throughout the project's lifecycle. The Ksi Lisims partnership—Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG Limited Partnership, and Western LNG LLC—must meet requirements under both Canadian and Treaty law. The decision underscores a coordinated regulatory process for large-scale energy infrastructure.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Strategic Direction Set for Offshore Wind Development in Atlantic Canada

On September 20 in Halifax, the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announced strategic direction to the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator, advancing Canada's first-ever offshore wind projects. Following recent designation of Wind Energy Areas, this move enables the Regulator to begin a prequalification process and invite input through a Call for Information on the path forward. These steps precede a planned Call for Bids for the designated land parcels, with a focus on environmental responsibility. The announcement coordinates with the Major Projects Office’s work to accelerate transformative national projects, including the Wind West Atlantic Energy proposal and interties between New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and possible further development in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. The aim is to create regulatory certainty and attract private investment for long-term wind energy development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Backs Expansion of Domestic Transformer Manufacturing in Innisfil

On September 18, the government committed $6 million through FedDev Ontario to Northern Transformer Corporation for a new Large Power Transformer (LPT) plant in Innisfil, Ontario. The 183,000-square-foot facility will enhance production capacity for critical transformers, supporting grid modernization, electrification, and reliability across North America. The manufacturing site is expected to open in 2028 and position Ontario as a hub for advanced energy equipment. The project is a partnership involving HydroOne, Ontario’s Ministry of Energy and Electrification, and local governments. Expanded domestic transformer production is intended to strengthen Canada’s grid supply chain and energy security.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal and Ontario Partnership Expands Heat Pump Retrofit Program

On September 20, Natural Resources Canada announced nearly $37.5 million in federal investment to partner with Ontario and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in co-delivering the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program. Eligible Ontarians can access up to $25,000 in funding—$15,000 federal and $10,000 provincial—plus a $250 upfront payment for installing electric heat pumps. The program, now integrated with the IESO’s Save on Energy platform, provides a streamlined application process. The initiative targets energy bill reductions for income-qualified households and aims to lower annual emissions per recipient, with historical program data showing average savings of $1,300 and 2.78 tonnes of greenhouse gas annually.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government Invests in Tidal Energy Monitoring in Bay of Fundy

Natural Resources Canada, on September 19, allocated over $10 million through the Energy Innovation Program to two tidal energy research initiatives in Nova Scotia. FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy) will receive funding for the Ocean Sensors Innovation Platform to advance environmental data collection and fish tracking. Acadia University will lead a project on reducing fish-turbine collision risks using detection models and monitoring. The research supports informed regulatory processes and investor confidence, while providing technical skill development opportunities in offshore renewables. These projects seek to balance tidal energy development and protection of the Bay of Fundy ecosystem.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson Cites Major Projects for National Energy Superpower Ambition

In a September 17 speech in Winnipeg, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson detailed the federal government’s approach to nation-building energy and infrastructure projects. Five projects—LNG Canada Phase 2, Darlington New Nuclear Project, Contrecoeur Terminal container expansion, Foran Copper Mine, and Red Chris Mine—have been referred to the Major Projects Office, representing $60 billion in private investment. The initiatives span LNG, nuclear, critical minerals, and strategic trade infrastructure, combined with commitments to Indigenous collaboration and regulatory reforms. Hodgson described plans for business-development teams to support earlier-stage initiatives, including the Wind West Atlantic Energy offshore wind and transmission corridor, Alberta’s “Pathways Plus” CCS project, Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, high-speed rail from Toronto to Quebec City, and expansion of the Port of Churchill. These efforts tie to a broader 'Buy Canadian' policy for public infrastructure.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests in Tidal Energy Advancement in Nova Scotia

On September 17, the Honourable Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, announced forthcoming funding for tidal energy advancement in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. This forms part of coordinated efforts between the federal government and other stakeholders to expand renewable marine energy initiatives. Details of the funding and the projects supported were made public on September 19.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Champagne Engages European Allies on Energy Security, Clean Growth

On September 20, Minister François-Philippe Champagne concluded a European engagement in Copenhagen at the ECOFIN meeting, focusing on economic resilience, productivity, and security partnerships. Canada and the EU discussed deeper collaboration on renewable energy and infrastructure, with Champagne raising the prospect for future industrial and clean growth partnerships. The session also included a specific Arctic security roundtable, acknowledging the role of energy in regional strategies.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Monthly Energy Transportation and Storage Data Released

Statistics Canada released July 2025 data on transportation and storage of crude oil and liquid petroleum products. The data set assesses primary movements and storage across the energy supply chain, serving as a reference for trends in sector logistics and infrastructure performance.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

DOE Issues Request for Information on Expanding Grid Capacity to Meet Demand Growth

On September 18, the Department of Energy published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on strategies to support rapidly growing electricity demand from data centers, AI facilities, and advanced manufacturing. The RFI requests details on potential grid infrastructure projects able to add 3–20 GW load, including new interregional transmission, reconductoring, reactivation of idle assets, and new generation. Respondents are asked to identify key grid constraints, articulate funding and permitting barriers, and suggest approaches leveraging DOE programs such as the Transmission Facilitation Program and Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships. Proposals are due by November 21, 2025, and will inform future DOE support mechanisms.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

U.S.-UK Technology Prosperity Deal Enhances Bilateral Collaboration in Nuclear and Grid Technologies

The United States and United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 18, launching the Technology Prosperity Deal to expand cooperation in science, AI, civil nuclear energy, and quantum technologies. The MOU targets joint research, independence from Russian nuclear fuel by 2028, and initiatives to streamline cross-border nuclear regulatory processes. It calls for joint regulatory approaches and partnership in foundational infrastructure development. Annual ministerial meetings and working groups are set to track progress and update collaborative priorities in energy and innovation.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Proposes Adjustments to 2026–2027 Renewable Fuel Standard Requirements

On September 18, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a supplemental proposed rule to adjust the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2026 and 2027, responding to small refinery exemptions (SREs) granted for 2023–2025. The EPA offers two scenarios for reallocating up to 2.18 billion unused Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) into future targets, impacting advanced biofuel, cellulosic, and biomass-based diesel requirements. The revised standard aims to maintain renewable fuel production and address an anticipated increase in RIN carryover. Public comments are due by October 31, with a virtual hearing scheduled for October 1.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Katherine Scarlett Confirmed as Chair of Council on Environmental Quality

Katherine Scarlett was confirmed as the 13th Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, becoming President Trump’s chief advisor on environmental policies and overseeing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementation. Scarlett’s background spans the White House Permitting Council and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Her approach includes streamlining federal permitting and advancing recent legislative and judicial changes to NEPA, with broad support cited from industry, energy, and manufacturing associations.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

FERC Issues Notice of Reliability Conference and Regulatory Filings Affecting Utility Markets

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced its annual Reliability Technical Conference will be held on October 21, 2025. Topics include bulk power system reliability, grid security, and market operations, with discussions on new standards for cybersecurity and virtualization in utility infrastructure. Additionally, recent FERC notices detail multiple filings: environmental assessments for gas compressor and LNG terminal projects, rate and tariff amendments across transmission operators, and combined notices on filings and information collection affecting both electric and gas markets.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Champions Nuclear Expansion and National Transmission Integration at Energy Summit

On September 19, Ontario hosted the Connecting Canada—Building an Energy Superpower Summit, where Energy Minister Stephen Lecce and provincial counterparts discussed advancing interties, new nuclear, renewable and hydroelectric projects, and advocated for federal action on national transmission corridors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Celebrates Growth in Heat Pump Installations and Clean Energy Initiatives

The Manitoba government reported nearly 500 households have installed or are installing ground-source heat pumps as part of its Affordable Energy Plan, alongside 4,000 EV rebates and movement toward 600 MW of new wind generation.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Proposes Updates to TIER System for Industrial Emissions Management

On September 16, Alberta proposed amendments to its Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system, introducing greater compliance flexibility for industrial emitters and new options for on-site emissions reduction investments, as well as an opt-out for smaller facilities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

BC Grants Environmental Certificate for Ksi Lisims LNG Project

The British Columbia government announced issuance of the environmental assessment certificate for the Ksi Lisims LNG project, stipulating 23 binding conditions and net-zero readiness by 2030.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Québec and California Set Date for Next Joint Cap-and-Trade Auction

On September 19, Québec's MELCCFP and California Air Resources Board published the notice for their next joint carbon market auction, scheduled for November 19, 2025, beginning the application period for interested parties.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ontario’s energy plans including ‘leaning into hydro and nuclear’: Lecce: Ontario's Energy Minister discusses the province’s strategy and support for expanding nuclear and hydro resources.
• EU Takes Biggest Step Yet in Crackdown on Russian Energy Imports: European Union advances new restrictions on Russian energy inflows.
• Is there demand for LNG? Researchers weigh in on viability of Fermeuse Energy's plan: Experts assess market prospects for an LNG export project in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Wood Mackenzie harnesses AI-powered analytics to decode complex energy market interconnections: Industry analysis using AI tools to better understand global energy flows.
• Capital Power executes new contract for Midland Cogeneration Venture with Consumers Energy: Capital Power signs a new contract with Consumers Energy for a key cogeneration asset.
• What to look for in China and Europe’s climate plans: Analysis of upcoming policy measures in China and Europe affecting global energy markets.
• Opinion: Want a pipeline? Let’s use nuclear power to reduce oil sands emissions: Commentary on integrating nuclear energy with oil sands development.
• These engineering consultants are helping companies meet the challenge of climate change: An overview of consulting firms supporting emissions reduction in heavy industry.
• Wood Mackenzie harnesses AI-powered analytics to decode complex energy market interconnections: Wood Mackenzie’s approach to applied AI in addressing energy market shifts.
• Capital Power executes new contract for Midland Cogeneration Venture with Consumers Energy: Details on Capital Power’s new generation agreement.

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