Long-term resource planning in the electric sector plays a critical role in guiding infrastructure investment, shaping energy prices, supporting decarbonization goals, and promoting economic growth in Canada. This report reviews resource plans from major electric companies across provinces with regulated electricity markets, which collectively generate most of Canada’s electricity. It offers insights into the uncertainties prioritized by companies, including load forecasts and policy futures, scenario planning, and near-term resource additions or changes. The report also examines resource planning in Alberta and Ontario's deregulated electricity markets, focusing on system operators' planning outlooks. While investment decisions are primarily driven by competitive market signals, resource planning in these markets supports informed decision-making for electric companies.
Authors Anand Kumar, Dheepak Krishnamurthy, Nidhi R. Santen