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: 2025-10-12 to 2025-10-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• House ENVI Committee Studies Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (Oct 20): The Environment and Sustainable Development committee will hold a meeting October 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Hearings feature Ross McKitrick, Brendan Haley (Efficiency Canada), Damon Matthews (Concordia/Future Earth Canada), and Ron Wallace (former NEB) to discuss Canada's 2030 plan effectiveness.
• House ENVI Committee Continues 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan Review (Oct 23): On October 23, the committee will hear from Clean Energy Canada (Rachel Doran), Energy For A Secure Future (Shannon Joseph), Montreal Economic Institute, Premier Danielle Smith (Alberta), Net Zero Industry, and New Economy Canada, focusing on plan improvements and capability.
• Senate ENEV Committee Reviews Net-Zero Advisory Body Report (Oct 21): The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources will meet October 21 at 6:30 p.m. in camera to consider the Net-Zero Advisory Body Report featuring Robert Hornung as a witness.
• Senate Fisheries and Oceans Committee Reviews Ocean Carbon Sequestration (Oct 21): On October 21, the committee examines ocean carbon sequestration in Canada, with witnesses from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Helen Gurney-Smith), Carbon Removal Canada (Na'im Merchant), and Carbon to Sea Initiative (Diane Hoskins).

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Funds Indigenous-Led Smart Microgrid in Northern Saskatchewan

Natural Resources Canada announced $1.9 million in federal support for a smart microgrid serving La Plonge and Poplar House District in northern Saskatchewan. The initiative, led by Aurora Renewables and owned by English River First Nation through Des Nedhe Group, integrates solar generation and battery storage to improve energy resilience and grid stability. The project is financed through NRCan’s Energy Innovation Program and incorporates Digital Twin technology for operational optimization, emissions reduction, and modernization of the local energy grid. By supporting an Indigenous-owned, community-centric development, the federal government is facilitating advanced deployment of clean technology and setting an example for similar initiatives in remote locations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Launch of Manitoba Climate and Economy Solutions Program

On October 17, Minister Julie Dabrusin (Environment and Climate Change Canada) and Minister Mike Moyes (Manitoba) jointly announced $32 million in federal and provincial funding for Manitoba’s new program aimed at reducing energy costs and emissions. $23 million will fund the Manitoba Climate and Economy Solutions Program, targeting stationary equipment retrofits, energy efficiency upgrades, clean energy production, and low-carbon vehicle retrofits. The initiative also supports geothermal projects such as the system at Canadian Mennonite University, projected to reduce emissions by at least 25%. Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund continues to supply millions to merit-based projects encouraging fuel switching and efficiency, especially in agriculture and social infrastructure.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and UK Reinforce Critical Minerals and Energy Partnership

Minister Tim Hodgson concluded a three-day visit to London, United Kingdom, focusing on enhancing secure critical minerals supply chains and bilateral energy cooperation. Meetings with UK officials covered joint investment opportunities, market access, and collaboration on nuclear technologies, including civil fission and fusion. Canada is working with the UK to identify high-potential infrastructure and bolster G7 coordination under the Critical Minerals Production Alliance. Discussions also referenced the June 2025 joint statement by Prime Ministers Carney and Starmer committing to fusion energy partnerships and addressing Russian influence on nuclear fuel supply chains. Investor engagement during London Metal Exchange Week signalled increased private sector interest in Canadian resource development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister McGuinty Addresses NATO Climate Security Summit

On October 9, National Defence Minister David McGuinty delivered remarks at the Montreal Climate Security Summit, discussing climate change’s impact on national security, infrastructure, and military operations. The Department of National Defence’s Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment revealed that 64% of assets face high climate risk, prompting actions to strengthen energy resilience in bases, modernize heating systems, and invest in alternative fuels. The Royal Canadian Air Force net-zero plan was referenced. Further integration of climate risk into defence planning was presented as central to maintaining operational readiness, especially in Arctic sovereignty contexts where environmental changes accelerate strategic challenges.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Updated Electric Power Selling Price Index for August 2025

Statistics Canada published the Electric Power Selling Price Index (2014=100) for August 2025, providing updated price benchmarking for utility operators, regulators, and sector observers. This dataset allows for comparative analysis of price trends relative to the 2014 base year.

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

Vehicle Registration Statistics Reflect Accelerating EV Adoption

In 2024, Canadian road motor vehicle registrations rose by 4.2%, totalling 26.8 million units. Light-duty vehicles accounted for 91.6% of registrations, and the share of electric vehicles reached 5.2%, up from 3.9% in 2023. These figures provide a snapshot of electrification progress and continued market growth for zero-emission vehicles.

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

Canada and Manitoba Announce Funding Event for Renewable Energy Projects

A media advisory was issued regarding the October 17 announcement in Winnipeg, detailing funding for renewable energy initiatives. Ministers Dabrusin and Moyes, along with Selkirk’s mayor, will present formal program launches at Canadian Mennonite University. The joint event spotlights intergovernmental support for local clean energy transition.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Announces Indigenous-Led Clean Energy Initiative in Saskatchewan

Secretary of State Buckley Belanger scheduled a media event for October 17 in Beauval, Saskatchewan, to detail support for innovation in Indigenous-led clean energy projects. The announcement, to be made on behalf of Minister Tim Hodgson, is positioned within Canada’s ongoing clean energy transition programs.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

DOE Announces Public Meeting on Defense Production Act Agreements for Nuclear Energy

The US Department of Energy has scheduled a public meeting on October 23, 2025, at the Nuclear Energy Institute in Washington, DC, to discuss procedures for voluntary agreements under the Defense Production Act (DPA). The session seeks input on new plans of action, consistent with DOE’s interim final rule published August 25 and recent executive orders on nuclear energy and national energy emergency. Proceedings may include both open and closed components. Closed sessions will focus on matters concerning national security and commercially sensitive information. Attendance details and webinar registration are available via DOE’s DPA Consortium web page.

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

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Holds 1129th Open Meeting on Electricity, Gas, and Hydro Certificates

On October 16, 2025, FERC held an open meeting in Washington, DC, addressing agency administrative matters and several electricity sector dockets, including New York ISO, Invenergy, PJM, MISO, and California ISO. Agenda items covered reliability, security, market operations, and licensing for electric, gas, and hydro projects. Significant topics included Duke Energy, Idaho Power, and Pacific Gas and Electric dockets, as well as hydro and pipeline certificates. The event was webcast and followed by a press briefing at Commission headquarters. All official documents are accessible via FERC’s eLibrary portal.

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

Pipeline Safety: PHMSA Seeks Public Comment on NGPL Special Permit Segment Extensions

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a notice seeking public comment on a request by Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America (NGPL), Kinder Morgan’s subsidiary, for three segment extensions to permit PHMSA-2025-0011. These segments add 1,333 feet of Class 3 pipeline location in Texas. The current permit covers approximately 10.37 miles and, if extended, will reach 10.62 miles. PHMSA determined no further environmental assessment is required, as the permit expansion does not introduce significant impacts under NEPA. Comments will be reviewed after November 13, 2025.

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

President Trump Proclaims October 2025 as National Energy Dominance Month

President Donald J. Trump designated October 2025 National Energy Dominance Month, referencing US achievements in oil and natural gas production, coal industry support, and recent executive actions since inauguration as the 47th President. The proclamation outlines ongoing efforts to remove energy restrictions, revive offshore mineral extraction, lift coal plant regulations, promote nuclear energy, and open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Rolls Out 'One Project, One Process' Framework for Mining Sector

The Ontario government introduced the ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework, providing mining proponents with a coordinated permitting process for advanced exploration and mine development. The 1P1P approach includes a dedicated Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team, aiming to reduce government review times by at least 50%.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

New Brunswick Invests $58 Million in 2025-26 Climate Change Fund

The Government of New Brunswick will invest more than $58 million in 56 projects through its Climate Change Fund, supporting initiatives such as low-income efficiency programs, GHG reduction, adaptation measures, and public education on climate change.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Alberta's Winter Utility Disconnection Rules Go Into Effect

Alberta implemented its annual Winter Rules for utilities, preventing electricity and (starting Nov. 15) natural gas retailers from fully disconnecting residential customers between October 15 and April 15, regardless of forecasted sub-zero temperatures.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Premier Houston Leads Nova Scotia Energy Trade Mission to UK and Italy

Nova Scotia’s Premier Tim Houston is leading a trade mission to London and Milan to promote the province’s energy sector, focusing on offshore natural gas exploration and development. Meetings are held with executives of leading global energy firms.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta Government Issues New Mandate Letters Focused on Affordability and Grid Reliability

Premier Danielle Smith announced new mandate letters tasking ministers with advancing the province’s energy market reforms, strengthening base load generation contingency planning, and addressing distribution rate disparities, alongside AI data centre development.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Opens on Proposed Environmental Occurrences Notification Agreements

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a notice regarding the availability of proposed environmental occurrences notification agreements between Canada and Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. A 60-day comment period begins October 18, preceding renewal of five-year agreements expiring March 2026.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• UK Spends £2.1 Billion to Balance Power Grid as Renewables Surge: Coverage of UK grid costs, renewables integration and implications for system management.
• Low-carbon energy storage needed to achieve Canada’s net-zero strategy: Industry analysis of energy storage technologies in Canada’s clean transition.
• RBC supports Indigenous leadership in renewable energy projects: Overview of financial sector support for Indigenous-owned renewables.
• Could natural gas unlock new potential for Churchill’s port?: Discussion on LNG development and export logistics in northern Manitoba.
• India to Tighten Green Power Rules to Safeguard Grid Stability: International regulatory trends in grid management and renewables.
• JPMorgan says U.S. risks missing energy goals without wind, solar: Global investment perspectives on US renewable capacity.
• Smackover Lithium Files Definitive Feasibility Study for Its South West Arkansas Project: Developments in North American lithium resource projects.
• RENEWABLE SECTOR: Category link for recent news in renewables.
• Nuclear Startup to Deploy Pilot Microreactor at Texas A&M Campus: US nuclear innovation and higher education partnerships.
• JPMorgan Says US Risks Missing Energy Goals Without Wind, Solar: Coverage of challenges to US wind/solar deployment.

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