Calgary Chamber encourages implementation of proposed changes to Clean Electricity Regulations

Calgary, Alberta, February 16, 2024 - The Calgary Chamber is encouraged by the federal government's ongoing consultation with industry to ensure electricity is affordable and reliable and appreciates the Public Update to the proposed Clean Electricity Regulations (CER). However, we remain concerned about the regulations and the persistence of a one-size-fits-all approach to the CER, which fails to account for regional differences in electricity markets.

“Affordable and reliable electricity is essential for Canadian businesses and consumers, and while a net-zero grid is aligned with industry aspirations, regulation must not inhibit the stability of electricity supply, transmission and distribution,” says Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “We are encouraged the government is listening, however we will continue to call for the necessary changes to support existing and future generation and investments in decarbonization, while not compromising the integrity of the Alberta electrical grid.”

We welcome the potential changes to the performance standard, peaker provisions, offsets, end-of-prescribed-life and emergency circumstances provided in today’s update, and we strongly recommend the government implement the following changes, aligned with the Calgary Chamber’s submission of November 2, 2023:

• Performance standard – Adjust the 30 tonnes/GWh capture efficiency benchmark to 100 tonnes/GWh for operations with abatement technologies.  
• Peaker provisions – Amend the proposed hours-based “peaker provisions” to remove the proposed run hour limit from the regulations prior to 2045. After 2045, limit the use of peaking facilities through the introduction of a capacity factor metric.  
• Offsets – Provide greater flexibility, including through offset provisions, to de-risk the investment required for abatement technologies. 
• End-of-prescribed life – Adjust timelines for compliance with the proposed end-of-prescribed-life performance standard from 20 years to 30 years. 
• Emergency circumstances – Amend the emergency provisions to provide a pre-approval process for non-compliant units and empower provincial and territorial system operators to determine what will be declared an emergency circumstance. 

We strongly encourage the federal government to continue to consult with businesses and all levels of government to make the necessary changes to the proposed CER in order to ensure a secure and affordable electricity supply for all Canadians, from coast to coast. We also urge the government to advance tools that support investor confidence, including the immediate legislation of the proposed Investment Tax Credits and the development of Carbon Contracts for Difference, to support the advancement of major decarbonization projects. These initiatives will further decrease emissions and support the de-risking of industry investments in decarbonization.

About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce   

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city. 

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